According to information from the Greek side, a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Recep Tayyip Erdogan cannot take place in Copenhagen, since so far the Turkish president does not appear likely to travel to the Danish capital for the European Political Community Summit.
The same sources stress that “for the first time, the issue of the casus belli was openly raised from the podium of the General Assembly.” As they note, “you cannot want to join SAFE and at the same time maintain a threat of war. You cannot have an open threat of war against a member state of the European Union.”
Regarding the cancellation of a meeting with the Turkish president, it is clarified that “there was a real reason,” and that at such events, leaders’ schedules often change. “The meeting with Giorgia Meloni was also canceled for the same reason,” they add.
It is also clarified that “there was no meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the U.S. President’s reception.”
On Greek–U.S. relations
Regarding the United States, it is noted that “there is good communication with Donald Trump, and it won’t be long before we speak again.” As for the meeting with Ms. Guilfoyle, the same sources mention that “it was an introductory meeting, and she seemed well-informed on regional issues.”
The cable with Cyprus
Concerning the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection, it is emphasized that “there will be an update on the developments when the timing is appropriate.” It is also noted that “the Cypriot President made a clear statement,” and that “it is evident that the interest of the Republic of Cyprus remains active.”
According to a UN statement, during his meeting with the UN Secretary-General, the Prime Minister also discussed Libya. They talked about the political process for a stable government to emerge through free elections, with Libya determining its own future without foreign interference.
According to information, the Prime Minister told the UN Secretary-General that technical talks have begun with Libya on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
“We are geographically bound to discuss with Libya; we have opposite coasts. Turkey has no role in this discussion,” Greek sources report.
On the opposition’s criticism of the canceled meeting with the Turkish president
The same sources note that “even in times when Erdogan refused to talk to us, we insisted on keeping channels of communication open. This does not mean any retreat from our sovereign rights.” At the same time, they underline Greece’s “active policy on the ground,” such as “the marine parks and the Greek spatial planning,” as well as “the confirmed interest of Chevron.”
Athens aims to maintain open lines of communication and does not appear concerned about the possibility of Turkey joining the F-35 program, in which Greece already participates.
According to Greek sources, “In 2019, Turkey had ordered 100 F-35s. We did not have a single upgraded F-16, we were not part of the F-35 program, and we hadn’t purchased Rafales. Today, we have 42 upgraded F-16s in the VIPER configuration (out of 82 that we will have upon completion of the program within the next two years), 24 Rafales, and we are part of the F-35 program.”
“We are strengthening and shielding the Armed Forces to maintain a significant qualitative advantage. We are not defining ourselves in reaction to others. What needs to be done for the country’s security is being done,” Greek sources state.
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