Greece responds to Erdogan’s aggressive remarks ahead of Berlin meeting

·

Greece and Turkey have traded barbs a few hours ahead of the meeting on the situation in Libya in Berlin.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again indulged in aggressive remarks early Sunday, before departing for Berlin.

He claimed that Greece has “gone crazy” over not being invited to the Berlin meeting, and said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is taking “the wrong steps” by inviting Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, who is fighting against the UN-recognised Libya government at the head of the Libyan National Army, for talks in Athens.

Erdogan added that Mitsotakis is taking a wrong tack in bilateral relations with Turkey, despite being “talked to” by himself at the recent NATO Summit.

Greece’s foreign ministry replied soon after to Erdogan: “as for taking the right steps, it is at least paradoxical, that the habitual violator of international law in our region tries to give lessons.”

“A constant concern for Greece is taking the staps that ensure security and stability in the region and not policymaking through groundless and provocative remarks,” the foreign ministry added.

Greece has warned the European Union that it would veto any decision taken in Berlin if the summit did not explicitly denounce a deal between the Libyan government and Turkey delineating maritime borders between the two non-neighboring countries in the Mediterranean. The deal has been criticized by, among others, the European Union, Egypt, Russia and the U.S., as well as Haftar, who has the backing of Libya’s National Assembly.

It appears, though, that the Berlin meeting will not deal with the maritime borders issue, focusing instead on a peace deal in Libya. Greece also seems to have backed off from its veto threat, alluding that an expression by the EU of its disapproval of the deal could be enough.

Turkey has been asserting its right to exploit the Mediterranean for gas and oil reserves, contesting Cyprus’ right to do so, at least within the present borders of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. It has sent drilling ships in the area, accompanied by warships. This led Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to label Turkey “the regional pirate” in comments he made Sunday.

Sourced via Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From passion to production: Steven Koutzoumis launches SoundCult studio in Sydney

In the heart of Beverly Hills, a fresh sound is taking shape - and it’s being led by young Greek Australian Steven Koutzoumis who has a vision

Greek immersion in the early years pays off for Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou

Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou won the Hellenic Dreaming High School Short Story Competition held by the Greek Museum of Adelaide Inc.

Faith, family and football: The making of Nectarios Triantis

Growing up in a bustling Greek Australian household in Sydney, footballer Nectarios Triantis was never far from a football - or chaos.

Bella Spasis’ big deal: Live music in Victoria set to thrive

Greek-Victorian bar owner, Isabella (Bella) Spasis, hosted a remarkable event at her venue, ‘The Dog’s Bar’ early on Sunday morning, July 6.

GOCNSW Home for the Aged welcomes Consul General and celebrates its donors

The Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged played host to the Consul General of Greece in Sydney and some of its major donors.

You May Also Like

Sydney share trader Rob Keldoulis buys medicinal cannabis farm in Tasmania

The CEO at Vivienne Court Trading, Rob Keldoulis, has recently bought a medicinal cannabis farm in Tasmania.

Greek diaspora encouraged to return to Greece for university during online conference

Με μεγάλη επιτυχία πραγματοποιήθηκε η διαδικτυακή ημερίδα που διοργάνωσαν η Γενική Γραμματεία Ανώτατης Εκπαίδευσης του Υπουργείου Παιδείας και Θρησκευμάτων και η Γενική Γραμματεία Δημόσιας...

Nicos Andrianakis leads historic $272 million Uber settlement in Australia

Nicos Andrianakis, a former taxi driver, has successfully led a $272 million settlement against Uber, approved by the Victorian Supreme Court.