Against the backdrop of Libya, Ankara is planning new geopolitical faits accomplis in the Eastern Mediterranean
In a period of intense geopolitical mobility in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey seems to be is attempting a new strategic opening – this time towards Syria, with the aim of defining maritime zones between the two states. This revelation is causing concern in Athens, which is already trying to regain territory in Libya, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis to prepare an official meeting with the strongman of Benghazi, Khalifa Haftar.
Hakan Fidan opens a front with Syria
The Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, answering questions from MPs in Ankara, denied that Turkey has committed not to proceed with an EEZ agreement with Syria, as had been written in the European press. On the contrary, he clarified that "the demarcation of maritime zones is a matter for Turkey and Syria, not the E.U. or any third party."
This statement constitutes a pre-announcement of an Ankara-Damascus alliance, possibly as a result of negotiations that are being conducted quietly in the background. For Greece, such a development creates pre-trial in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Ankara is attempting to establish a new legal and operational regime with exclusion of Athens and Nicosia from the dialogue.
Libya's double game
The same time, Libya remains an enigma for Greek foreign policy. The Tripoli government continues its cooperation with Turkey, while Benghazi has reportedly opened communication channels with Ankara, despite its declared relations with Athens. The Gerapetritis prepares visit and talks with Haftar, in an effort to ensure the Greek presence in a key country for the security of the Southeastern Mediterranean.
Erdogan's statement from Azerbaijan and the global chessboard
The president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, from the podium of the Economic Cooperation Organization Summit in Azerbaijan, openly accused Israel of destabilizing the regionHe stressed that Turkey will not remain a spectator in the face of attacks on Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. Erdogan's message comes in direct contrast to the US and Israeli policy in the region, while is trying to project Turkey as a leading power in the Muslim world and defender of the Palestinians.
Athens faces critical decisions
Greek diplomacy is now faced with a dense geopolitical field:
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Turkey seeks bilateral agreements with Syria, bypassing international law.
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Libya is operating as a “field of competition for influence”.
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The Greek-Turkish balances are changing and at the alliance level, with the EU and the US keeping a low profile.
Editorial Comment
Greece does not have the luxury of operating defensively and waiting. Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean show that Turkey does not expect diplomatic solutions - she creates them herselfIf Athens does not respond seriously and promote its national positions in all forums, it may to find itself faced with a second Turkish-Libyan memorandum – this time with Syria.
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video from a news channel (Headline News) referring to Turkey-Syria negotiations on delimitation of maritime zones, with analyses on Syria's relationship with the EEZ and Ankara's actions in the Eastern Mediterranean
From the journalistic team of Greek News and Radio FL
photo vsr3168, Image license by freepik.com
