Turkish, Greek Foreign Ministers trade severe accusations at news conference

·

A meeting aimed to improve fraught ties between NATO allies Greece and Turkey quickly descended into a tense exchange of accusations between the two neighbors’ foreign ministers on Thursday.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias traveled to Ankara to discuss ties with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, following a slight easing of tensions. Appearing before the cameras to deliver their press statements, the two men initially spoke about keeping the channels of dialogue open and increasing economic cooperation in an effort to improve relations.

But their meeting soon turned sour after Dendias accused Turkey of violating Greece’s sovereign rights in the eastern Mediterranean and warned that Ankara would face European Union sanctions if the violations continue. Cavusoglu retorted calling Dendias’ remarks “unacceptable.”

The two ministers then proceeded to list grievances against each other’s country.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, left, looks on, as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, right, gestures as he talks during a joint media statement following their meeting in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, April 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

The visit was the first by a Greek minister following a tumultuous year. Angered by what it perceived to be a lack of support for its policies in Syria, Turkey announced last year that it was opening its western borders, prompting thousands of migrants to gather at entry points to Greece, which promptly closed them down. This led to chaotic scenes at the frontier.

Tension flared again in the summer over maritime boundaries and energy exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean, leading to a military buildup that featured warships from the two countries facing off. The dispute strained Ankara’s relations with the whole European Union.

Tensions eased after Turkey pulled back its energy research vessel and adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Greece and other EU nations.

“First of all, we should move away from the discourse and actions which are provocative and which raise tensions, which is a condition for our relations to improve,” Dendias said. “Breaches have increased recently and such infringements are an obstacle to creating an environment of trust.”

AP Photo/Emrah Gurel

He added: “If Turkey continues violating our sovereign rights, then sanctions, measures that are on the table, will be put back on the agenda.”

Cavuoslugu responded: “Nikos Dendias unfortunately made some extremely unacceptable accusations against my country … He said ‘Turkey violated Greece’s sovereign rights.’ It is not possible for us to accept this.”

“Turkey is obliged to protect its own rights, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, and those of Cypriot Turks; all the steps we take are aimed at protecting our rights,” Cavusoglu said.

“We’re not a country that (is afraid of) the European Union,” he continued.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, poses for photographs with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, left, prior to their meeting in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, April 15, 2021. (Turkish Presidency via AP)

Dendias’ visit was also meant to pave the way for a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In an indication of the meeting’s importance, Dendias met with Erdogan as well as Cavusoglu.

There were also some lighter moments Thursday between the two ministers, who despite the friction between their countries, refer to each other as a “friend.”

“By the way, I hope our disagreement hasn’t led you to cancel the dinner invitation. Because I’m exceptionally hungry,” Dendias said, in reference to the Iftar, the Ramadan fast-breaking meal the two were scheduled to have together.

Sourced By: AP News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

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.

Cyprus grapples with surging feral cat population

Cyprus, long known as the “island of cats,” is struggling with an estimated one million felines roaming its streets.

Excavations at ancient Paphos theater to resume

Excavations at the ancient Hellenistic–Roman theatre of Nea Paphos are set to resume, following discussions on Friday.

Historic first: Divine Liturgy in Volos celebrated with sign language interpretation

At the Church of Saint Nicholas, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated for the first time with simultaneous interpretation in sign language.

Bridging academia and diaspora: Dr Ifigeneia Dosi’s research visit to Macquarie University

Macquarie University’s School of International Studies recently welcomed Dr Ifigeneia Dosi, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics.

You May Also Like

Greek PM faces no-confidence vote amid mass protests over Tempi train tragedy

Citizens across Greece and abroad rallied on Friday, February 28, to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster.

Mixed reactions emerge in Greek Australian community over Prime Minister’s cultural remarks

Members of Australia's Greek community have expressed mixed responses to cultural remarks made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Greek citizens returned from China in good health

Two Greek citizens, who returned from China earlier on Sunday, have been transferred to Sotiria Hospital.  The two Greeks boarded, along with British and other...