Greek-Turkish: Ankara on the sidelines after the agreement between Greece and France
Turkey suffered a second consecutive diplomatic defeat in less than a month, as on the one hand the common gait of the southern European countries at the Summit EUMED9 in Athens, with the background of Eastern Mediterranean and on the other hand the recent Greek-French defense agreement for the supply of 3 + 1 frigates Belharra for the changes of the Greek Navy have completely upgraded the diplomatic capital of Greece, while removing the initiative of the movements in the wider area from the Turkish side. Him disorganization of Turkish diplomacy against the double “hit” of Athens vividly captures the comment of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the same time testifying to the insiders fears of the neighboring country after the tension of the Greek fleet and especially the explicit commitment of Paris through the mutual assistance clause in favor of Athens.
“Greece instead of cooperating, equipping, isolating and alienating Turkey and this will cause damage to the EU, regional peace and stability” support the representative of the Turkish Foreign Minister, Tanju Bilgiç, commenting on the Greek-French defense agreement, at the same time spoke about “maximalist positions” of Greece in terms of maritime zones and airspace, even citing international law.
“It is a dream of Greece that it can create military alliances that create problems within NATO as well “Such futile efforts are essentially increasing to decide our capacity to defend our rights in the Aegean, in the Mediterranean, as well as the rights of the Turkish Cypriots.” . Despite Ankara’s angry stance and its threatening allusions to Athens, Berlin has also expressed a positive attitude towards the Greek-French defense agreement in recent hours. In fact, given that Germany has very close bilateral relations with Turkey, to the point that for some they interpret the non-imposition of sanctions on Ankara by the EU, German Foreign Ministry’s comment fell like lightning in the neighboring country, after describing as fully compatible the bilateral agreement between Greece and France in their capacity as member states of the European Union and NATO.
“The German government is aware of the agreement between France and Greece on the establishment of a strategic partnership and cooperation in civil security and defense. This is a bilateral agreement between Greece and France which contains preferences to their status as Member States of the European Union and NATO and does not turn against other partners “, stressed the representative of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, taking a clear position towards the new Greek-French partnership.
Previously, the Greece-France agreement was also viewed positively by Brussels, as it “will make the further convention in European defense and Euro-Atlantic security dynamic”, said community sources. The same sources also claimed that “It is a strategic partnership that strengthens the Greek-French ties in full compliance with EU and NATO commitments. “Nobody said that such a strategic partnership is incompatible with an alliance,” making it even more difficult for Ankara to maneuver.
In the isolation environment that is forming in the last hours for the Turkish side, his reaction was added. State Department that welcomed the continuous investments made by Greece for the adjustment of its defense capabilities and the fact that it is fulfilling its NATO commitments for the foreseen defense expenditures, with commitment to the new partnership between Greece and France.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also responded to the Turkish objections today. Nikos Dendias“If Turkey is bothered by these agreements, it can only mean that it sees itself as an attacking force,” he said on the sidelines of a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Sigiarto. In the same context, Mr. Dendia stated that “the agreement with France is a defense agreement, it is not directed against anyone else”, further explaining that “trade defense is promoted, it is in line with our commitments to NATO, which was also recognized and from the American side. “
“Greece always operates on the basis of contractual obligations, in contrast to some other allies that undermine NATO cohesion,” Mr. Dendia said. towards the operation of NATO.
The Agreement was submitted to the Parliament for ratification
In Parliament for ratification was submitted the Greece – France agreement to establish a strategic partnership for cooperation in defense and security.
The agreement will be discussed by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Defense on Tuesday at 2:00 pm joined on Thursday will be introduced in plenary.
In plenary, the debate will take place at the level of political leaders, followed by a vote.
See HERE the Draft Law on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation on Defense and Security between Greece and France
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