A new circle diplomats initiatives are ongoing and discussions continue on a number of critical issues such as the creation of marine humanitarian hallway for the civilian population in Gaza. THE Athena and Nicosia are coordinating their efforts on what is happening in “neighborhood“, while today it takes place the first Supreme Cooperation Council of the two countries.
At the same time the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan it still seeks a role in the Middle East crisis, sticking to a rhetoric with anti-Western characteristics. However, it seems that in a difficult setting in the wider region, he does not wish to open new fronts.
So the road Map that has been drawn up for the Greek-Turkish dialogue is being observed and delegations of the two countries are meeting on Monday at Anchor, on Confidence Building Measures. In the government camp they want to keep the waters calm and on the way to the Supreme Cooperation Council – which will take place on December 7 – the emphasis is on a positive agenda (eg economy, environment). At the same time, recent steps have also been taken in the area of immigration, with a reduction in flows from the side of Athens as well it is noted that the two countries can further cooperate in this matter.
“They exist mutually beneficial fields in which we can cooperate” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted in Politico and underlined that “even if we agree that we disagree regarding our main difference, which is the delimitation of maritime zones, we can do it in a civilized way, without conflicts and without threats to Greece, as Turkey did in the last year”. In fact, he expressed the hope that this change of approach will last.
From the government’s side, it is emphasized that there is an intention to bravely discuss issues that have plagued Greece and Turkey for decades, making it clear that the country’s red lines remain. “You don’t need to talk to someone to share their worldview,” said Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, noting of course that issues related to national sovereignty are off the agenda.
Supreme Council of Greece-Cyprus Cooperation
The developments in the wider area, the Cypriot but also issues such as the economy and immigration will be at the center of discussions by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis. With Athens and Nicosia coordinating their movements on a critical issue which is none other than the effort to create maritime humanitarian routes to Gaza.
In fact, the prime minister in Conference held in Paris he said that the Cypriot proposal on the matter is well thought out and pointed out that “the most difficult aspect is to determine a suitable disembarkation zone in southern Gaza, to create the necessary port infrastructure and, of course, to ensure the safety of the route, which will require the cooperation of all involved”.
What do Athens and Ankara say about the Middle East?
The looks of the international community are aimed at Waist East, while efforts continue in the diplomatic arena. The prime minister who participated in the Conference in Paris referred to the need to start the discussion on a political solution and noted that “the existence of a Palestinian state is a condition for long-term peace in the region and the two-state solution is the only possible path we can follow for to reach this result”.
The lately a series of government moves are underway with the Prime Minister meeting yesterday with French President Em. Macron, while on Monday he had a conversation with the US Secretary of State Ant. Blinken. Also yesterday, Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Staiyeh and, among other things, he referred to Greece’s readiness to assist with humanitarian aid.
It should be noted that in an interview with Politico the prime minister also spoke about it Israel and even the remark that “sometimes friends have to tell hard truths to friends” was of particular interest. To emphasize that “I believe that while we recognize that Israel has the right to defend itself, the way it does so is important.”
At the same time, Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to appeal primarily to the Muslim world and met with the Iranian president, insisting that he can play the role of guarantor for the settlement of the crisis in the Middle East. However, the Turkish side’s relations with Israel have deteriorated rapidly, while yesterday once again Mr. Erdogan chose to fire arrows at the West, sticking to a high-toned rhetoric.
