Erdogan: Turkey will not be confined to its coastline

·

Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Monday called for negotiations over energy exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, days ahead of a European Union summit where leaders could decide to impose sanctions on Turkey.

“We believe we can solve the problems of the Eastern Mediterranean by not excluding each other, but by bringing all the actors together around the same table,” Erdogan said in a video message to a university forum on the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

However, he said Turkey would “not accept plans and maps that aim to confine us to the shores of Antalya.”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks in Istanbul, Saturday, December 5, 2020. Photo: Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool.

READ MORE: The European Parliament votes in favor of sanctions against Turkey.

“We are not after exploiting the rights of anyone but try to take a firm stance against pirates that try to take our rights away,” Erdogan said.

At a summit in October, European leaders warned Turkey to withdraw its energy research ships or face punitive measures.

Late last month, the Turkish seismic survey vessel Oruc Reis returned to port, as it had done before October’s EU meeting. However, another research ship, the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa, remains off Cyprus’ southwest coast.

READ MORE: Turkey withdraws Oruc Reis navy ship, sends Barbaros to Cypriot waters instead.

EU foreign ministers agreed on Monday that Turkey’s behavior has not improved and that the two-day summit on Thursday is looming as a “crucial” meeting for EU-Turkey ties.

“All of them considered that we have not seen a fundamental change of direction,” EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, told reporters after chairing their talks. “In several aspects, the situation has worsened.”

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, speaks during a media conference after a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday December 7, 2020. Photo: John Thys, Pool via AP.

Tensions between NATO allies Turkey and Greece escalated over the summer with a military build-up after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis, escorted by navy frigates, into disputed waters. The move prompted Greece to also send its warships, and both countries conducted military exercises to assert their claims.

Turkey says it is standing up for its energy rights, as well as those of breakaway Turkish Cypriots, while Athens and Nicosia call Turkey’s actions a breach of their territorial waters.

READ MORE: ‘No need for discussion,’ says Erdogan as Turkey restarts drilling in eastern Mediterranean.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Greek patient who recovered from COVID-19 tests positive again

A female patient who had apparently recovered from COVID-19 at the end of March, has tested positive to the virus again following her release from hospital.

Makris Group in talks with lenders for $500 million building project in Queensland

Greek Australian property developer, Makris Group may receive support in its $500 million expansion of QLD shopping centre.

Fairfield’s Greek Amphitheatre Granted Heritage Protection

In a big win for Melbourne’s community, this week saw Victoria’s Heritage Council grant protection to Melbourne’s Amphitheatre at Fairfield