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

Consul General of Greece meets with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan

Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, met with the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, at the Victorian Parliament.

Sydney Olympic seal statement win over Marconi Stallions

Sydney Olympic proved too hot to handle for Marconi Stallions as they scored an impressive 2-0 win at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday evening.

Greece rejects Turkish Foreign Minister’s claims on minority rights and Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stirred controversy on Saturday, June 21, with remarks about Thrace, the Dodecanese, and Cyprus.

Sakkari advances at Bad Homburg Open amid heated exchange with Putintseva

Maria Sakkari progressed to the second round of the Bad Homburg Open on Sunday after a 7-5, 7-6(6) win over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.

Wildfire forces evacuations on Greek island of Chios

Over 100 firefighters, backed by aircraft, battled a major wildfire near the main town of Chios on Sunday, prompting evacuation of 12 areas.

You May Also Like

Iran launches missiles on US troops in Iraq after Trump’s meeting with Greek PM

Iran has targeted US forces in Iraq with "dozens" of missiles amid President Trump's meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Louise Kyriaki: A Greek Australian among the finalists for SA’s Women in Innovation awards

Women in Innovation SA finalist, Dr Louise Kyriaki, answers our 5+1 questions about her background, her research and why she loves her job.

Insight or Perspective: Nationality and Myth

"There was mention that nationalisms are built on mythology," Eleni Elefterias writes.