Following a difficult year of prolonged escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, the first months of 2021 find our relations with Turkey in quite a different framework. The channels of communication have opened, two new rounds of exploratory talks have taken place and, provided these conditions continue to exist, communication may extend to the political level. This resumption of dialogue is clearly a welcome first step.
Greece has never been afraid of dialogue and has always pursued the peaceful settlement of its sole dispute with Turkey based on International Law. So, it is important that, in spite of the difficulties, we are again talking to our neighbours, but this would not have happened if we had not insisted on practical and consistent de-escalation on Turkey’s part. It was also decisive that Europe exerted pressure, showing that it perceives the provocations against Greece as a threat to the security of Europe as a whole, and calling on Turkey to choose between isolation and collaboration with the EU-27.
However, we are not deceiving ourselves. The resumption of the exploratory talks cannot be an opportunity for mere appeasement of Greece ahead of the March meeting of the European Council, nor can it erase the aggresive rhetoric of recent months, which created an intense climate of suspicion towards our neighbours. To re-establish trust, Turkey must continue to follow the path of diplomacy and comply with International Law. Not temporary compliance, but consistent and lasting. In good faith and through tangible actions. Not just words or wishful thinking. Just as harmful are the threats to expand the agenda to include issues that Greece will not negotiate on because they touch the very core of its sovereignty.
The upcoming European Council meeting is an opportunity to constructively revise Turkey’s relations with Europe. In this light, Greece is open to considering the points of a positive agenda, but only if Turkey complies with the obligations it has undertaken, such as faithful implementation of the Joint Statement on management of the migration issue. And, at the same time, Greece will insist on maintaining the potential for taking measures against Turkey, should it return to its provocative conduct.
The Greek people believe in Europe and its power to resolve problems, even if it sometimes delays in doing so. In this case, too, we believe that Europe can find common ground and provide the diplomatic solution we are seeking in the institutional space that has strengthened our geopolitical security for 40 years now. It remains to be seen whether Turkey will respond to this call.
