Greek FM: Turkey poses a threat to European Stability.

 

Monday, December 7, 2020. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has accused Turkey of launching military operations in foreign countries, seizing parts of neighboring countries. He also stressed that Ankara could continue without sanctions and that Turkey's ambitions in the region would not be tolerated. Dendias called on Turkey to prove that Athens wants good neighborly relations with Ankara. "We are open to constructive dialogue with Turkey," he said.

The European Union (EU) and Greece have been angered by Turkey's gas exploration in the Mediterranean and the coast of Greece and Cyprus this year, sparking a major dispute between Turkey and Greece. The Greek warning comes in the wake of Turkey's energy exploration allegations. Greece has accused its Turkish counterpart of wanting to gradually occupy neighboring countries by launching unnecessary military operations at this time.

Their disagreement escalated in early August when Turkey sent a reconnaissance ship along with disputed warships near the Greek coasts and extended the operation three times despite repeated calls from the European Union and Greece suspends operations there.

The Greek foreign minister added that Turkey was disputing the sovereignty and independence of European countries, handing them over to extremists and in order to undermine European security. He also accused Turkey of supporting extremist activities.

 

"We have been in trouble with Turkey for the past 18 months. It has never happened that such a constant situation has existed between us. Turkey was working to bring back the Ottomans and took new directions, in opposition to EU governments. Said the Greek FM.

The Erdogan government claims to have the largest coastline of all the eastern Mediterranean countries, and has the right to explore the resources there such as natural gas. Athens says its claims are based on international law and previous agreements signed by Ankara and that Turkey has violated all of those laws. Turkish officials have insisted that the exploration ships will return to work and will continue its exploration there.

During the conflict, both countries sent warships to the region, and live ammunition demonstrations took place in the area between Crete, Cyprus, and the southern coast of Turkey which further fueled the conflict between the two sides. European powers such as France have also expressed support for Greece, warning Turkey of its ambitions in the region. Meanwhile, two Turkish and Greek ships collided in recent months, causing minor damage to the Turkish ship but no injuries.