Turkey may resume talks with Greece, warns against EU sanctions

·

Turkey and Greece could soon resume talks over the extent of their continental shelves in the east Mediterranean but the European Union will not help if it threatens sanctions, Turkey’s presidential spokesman said on Sunday.

Tensions flared last month between the NATO members and neighbours after Turkey sent a vessel to survey for gas and oil in waters close to Kastellorizo.

European Union member Greece condemned the move as illegal and pressed, along with Cyprus, for a strong response from EU leaders when they meet on Thursday.

READ MORE: Turkish ship starts energy search, Greek PM says move will not go “unanswered.”

Turkish seismic research vessel, Oruc Reis. Photo: Reuters/ Yoruk Isik/ File Photo.

Ankara withdrew the Oruc Reis vessel last week. It described the move as a routine maintenance stop but later said it opened up the chance for diplomacy to reduce tensions with Athens.

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

“At this point, the climate has become much more suitable for negotiations to begin,” presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, told Dogan News Agency.

“…Exploratory talks may start again.”

Mr Kalin added that European politicians should know that “threats of blackmail and of EU sanctions against Turkey does not give results.”

Erdogan also tweeted over the weekend that Turkey believed the dispute could be resolved through dialogue while still defending its rights in the region.

“We want to give diplomacy as much space as possible, by listening to every sincere call,” he tweeted. “With this vision, we will continue to defend any drop of water and area of our country to the end.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Ambassador Duncan, Karalis & Dramitinos focus on promoting Australian literature in Greece

The Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, recently discussed an exciting new literary initiative.

Greek artists stranded in Israel amid conflict begin journey home

Greek singer Glykeria has been stranded in Israel since last Friday following the outbreak of war with Iran.

Greece’s PM talks with Palestinian leader about humanitarian aid for Gaza

Greece’s Prime Minister informed his Palestinian counterpart Muhammad Shtayyeh Greece is prepared to support humanitarian efforts to Gaza.