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The message that Greece will not speak with Turkey with the Oruc Reis in greek continental shelf, sent the prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during his meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Haiko maas, at the Maximos Palace. Mr. Mitsotakis recalled that the Turkish Foreign Minister, just a week ago, told his Greek counterpart that he would invite Athens for exploratory contacts and “instead of exploratory contacts we have Oruc Reis on the Greek continental shelf.”
“Obviously we will not enter into discussions under these circumstances, with a ship at sea and I hope that the issue will be discussed again at the next European Council, so that we can see the latest developments. I would like to thank you once again for your active diplomatic stance. Hopefully soon we get to the point where we will actually sit at the negotiating table and discuss, like sensible people. I don’t mean us. You understand. Let’s talk instead of getting involved in unnecessary gunner diplomacy“Mr. Mitsotakis stressed.
He continued: “We offered Turkey a very clear option at the recent Summit: Either the renewal of its relations with Europe or face consequences if this aggressive behavior continues. Unfortunately, it appears that, for now, Turkey has chosen the second path. We must remember that in paragraph 21 of the Council Conclusions, we made it clear that should Turkey’s unilateral actions and provocations continue in violation of international law, we, as the European Union, will use all available tools and options that we have. We will closely monitor developments and make the appropriate decisions by December at the latest. “
Referring to exploratory contacts, essentially confirmed that they will not start under the responsibility of the Turkish side. “It just came to our notice then. I would like to reiterate that we fully intend to start a productive dialogue with Turkey. As you know, with the mediation of Germany, we agreed, at least twice, to restart exploratory contacts from where they left off in March of 2016, with the aim of reaching an agreement on the demarcation of our maritime zones. This was the subject of those exploratory contacts. And, unfortunately, instead of setting a date, Mr. Tsavousoglou told Minister Dendias less than a week that Turkey would invite Greece to initiate exploratory contacts, and instead of a date for the initiation of exploratory contacts, we have Oruc. Reis to navigate within the Greek exclusive economic zone. “
Welcoming Mr Maas, the Prime Minister said: “I don’t think anyone can be satisfied with recent events, especially in light of the conclusions of the European Council. It is very important to remind everyone that what was agreed in Brussels was absolutely clear. I read a sentence: “The search for a dialogue in good faith and the abstention from unilateral actions that go against the interests of the EU and violate international law and the sovereign rights of the EU Member States is a absolute precondition “, which means it is a precondition to improve our relationship with Turkey. What we have seen since then is the resumption of the activities of Oruc Reis and of course also the opening of the closed waterfront in Varosia , Cyprus, which was closed for 46 years “.
For his part, the German Chancellor stressed that he fully understands the position of Greece and its reaction to the “provocative” position – as he said – of Turkey, which leads to the breakdown of relations and the possibility of resuming dialogue through exploratory contacts. . Haiko Maas also described what is happening with Oruc Reis and Varosia as “paradoxical situations”.
Read: Indications that “Oruts Reyes” has started the cable laying process
Maas Contacts in Cyprus
German Foreign Minister Haiko Maas made new very critical statements about Ankara’s position during his visit to Nicosia.
“Turkey’s back and forth between escalation and de-escalation must be stopped.” It is up to Turkey to create the conditions for the talks, “he said, calling Ankara’s unilateral move a coup to try to start” negotiations. “” My decision to travel. only Nicosia and Athens is due to current developments that we have discussed, “he added.
“The resolution of disputed issues in the Eastern Mediterranean can only be achieved through direct dialogue between all parties involved,” said German Foreign Minister Haiko Maas after the meetings in Cyprus. to create those conditions and the environment so that finally there is the possibility of conducting exploratory conversations without major challenges ”. Read in detail
