French defence minister claims France will stand by Greece over tensions in Aegean Sea

·

France will stand by Greece and Cyprus, supporting both in their disputes with Turkey over maritime zones in the Mediterranean, French Defence Minister Florence Parly was quoted saying in a Greek newspaper on Sunday.

Greece and Turkey are at odds over a host of issues ranging from mineral rights in the Aegean Sea to ethnically split Cyprus. Tensions are also running high because of Turkish drilling off Cyprus and the European Union has prepared sanctions against Turkey in response.

“France intends to stand by Greece and help it to confront multiple tensions in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean,” Parly told To Vima newspaper in an interview.

She said French President Emmanuel Macron was clear when he met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in late January that Paris and Athens were set to strengthen their defense cooperation.

A Greek navy frigate is already escorting French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle in its operations in the Mediterranean.

“France supports Greece and Cyprus on the issue of respecting their sovereignty in maritime zones and condemns, together with its European partners, Turkey’s lack of respect of these fundamental rules,” Parly told the paper.

Athens has been angered by an accord between Libya and Turkey signed on Nov. 27 that maps out a sea boundary between the two countries close to the Greek island of Crete, calling the accord a blatant violation of international law.

Turkey and the internationally recognized government of Libya signed the accord defining their boundaries and a deal on expanded security and military cooperation, a step Ankara said was protecting its rights. [nL8N2882ZR]

Greece has called the accord absurd because it ignores the presence of Crete between the coasts of Turkey and Libya.

Parly said the accord between Turkey and Libya is a cause of high concern. “This accord sets the interests and security of the area in danger. It does not have any legal value and is not in line with international law,” Parly told the paper.

Sourced by: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Andriana Petrakis named SA Woman of the Year finalist

41 remarkable South Australian women have been named finalists for The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Woman of the Year awards.

George Velentzas transforms Prospect Rd in Adelaide with major developments

A wave of new businesses is set to transform Prospect Rd, with 10 retail stores opening in the coming months across two major developments.

Lost works of Ancient Greek “Great Geometer” found among Islamic texts

These texts, were actually part of a collection of nearly 200 Arabic manuscripts brought to the University of Leiden in the 17th century.

Tourism in Athens more than doubles since 2008

The surge is evident on the streets of Athens, with a growing number of visitors, including many from across the Atlantic.

From açaí to global success: Georgios Frangulis shares how he built Oakberry

Georgios Frangulis, has taken the global food scene by storm with his innovative approach to açaí bowls and healthy fast food.

You May Also Like

Shadow Minister for Immigration Dan Tehan sends message ahead of Christmas

Federal Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Dan Tehan, has issued a special Christmas message this festive season.

Sydney’s iconic Olympia Milk Bar set for revamp

The Olympia Milk Bar on Parramatta Road, Stanmore, is poised for a revival under a $953,000 redevelopment proposal by its new owner.

Baby of Cretan surrogacy clinic scandal sold to Australian woman

A baby born in Chania as part of the Cretan surrogacy clinic scandal which took place in August has been sold to a woman in Australia.