Athens/Ankara: Analysts warn that the agreement Turkey signed with Libya, defining the maritime limits in the region, could become a factor to ignite conflict between Greece and Turkey. Last week, in an agreement signed with Libya, Turkey claimed its right on a significant section of the Mediterranean Sea. Greece also claims its right over the marine region, which strengthens the possibility of a confrontation between Greece and Turkey over the matter.
Trouble has been brewing between Greece and Turkey, for the past several years, over membership of the European Union (EU), immigrant influx and control over the Mediterranean waters. President Recep Erdogan, who has had a vice-like grip over Turkey for the last decade, had adopted an aggressive stance over the issues and has started bullying countries, such as Greece and Cyprus. In the past, Greece had even deployed its warships in the Mediterranean Sea, to counter Turkey’s aggression.
The Mediterranean region around Greece, Cyprus and Turkey are said to hold significant oil reserves. Turkey was trying to claim its right over the reserves and had even carried out surveys in the region by sending its oil exploration ships. Also, Turkey had sent warships along with the exploration ships. Turkey’s aggression in the area had displeased the European Union (EU) and NATO. Therefore, severe warnings have already been issued by the EU and NATO to Turkey over the matter.
However, Turkey has instigated Greece once again by signing an agreement with Libya. After the Turkey-Libya agreement, Greece warned of taking action against Libya and has even expelled the Libyan Ambassador. The Greek Prime Minister clearly expressed his displeasure before President Erdogan during a recent NATO meeting. Nevertheless, as per sources, no solution was worked out during the discussion.
Meanwhile, the Greek Defence Minister informed that Greece had made all the necessary preparations for the security of the Mediterranean waters. Moreover, the Greek Naval chief asserted that the Greek Navy would act unilaterally, without waiting for a response from the navies of other countries. Angelos Syrigos, a Member of Parliament for the ruling New Democracy government in Greece, claimed that the Greek Navy had already dispatched its warships to the Mediterranean Sea.
Only two months ago, the United States inked a long-term defence agreement with Greece, that envisages setting up new military bases as well as ‘Drone Bases’. Turkish aggression was also said to be an essential factor that attributed to the agreement. What’s more, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had clarified while signing the deal with Greece that Greece in Europe and Cyprus in the Mediterranean were allies of the United States and their disputes with Turkey were also a cause for concern for the United States.
Israel supports Greece in its dispute with Turkey
Jerusalem: Israel declared its support for Greece in the dispute over the Mediterranean Sea. The Israeli Foreign Ministry clarified its position on the matter through a social media post.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that ‘Israel fully supports Greece and will stand firmly behind it on its claims over the issue concerning its marine limits. If the Greek marine limits have been infringed, Israel will support its right against it. Also, the partnership with Greece is crucial for Israel.’
At the same time, Israel announced that it was closely monitoring the Turkish activities in the Mediterranean Sea and expressed grave concerns over the developments.
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