Erdogan has repeatedly said in the past that the French president is in need of psychiatric evaluation, has lambasted France’s historic role in Algeria, and has gone as far as to urge his compatriots to boycott French products.
The two leaders presented the agreements as a substantial step toward the much touted EU defence autonomy and ended a joint press conference at Elysee Palace with beaming smiles and raised clasped hands, signalling the importance of the deals for both sides.
“I have no desire to engage in an arms race with Turkey. This is not my intention. There are, however, crucial issues regarding the modernisation of the armed forces, following the decade-long [economic] crisis, which I have the responsibility to handle and hand over to my successor,' the PM said.
President Sakellaropoulou underlined the seminal role of some of the great powers – Great Britain, Russia, and France – in defeating the Ottomans and of the great philhellenes in turning the tide of public opinion in favour of the Greeks.
'We are all in the same position: overrun by a second wave which we know will be harder, more deadly than the first,' said the French president. People must stay home except to buy essential goods, see a doctor, or exercise.
Each time Erdoagn pushed the envelope a bit further because he knew that although Greece was complaining strongly the EU would not significantly change its posture.
If Donald Trump is defeated in next week’s US presidential elections Ankara may well escalate its provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to instigate a military incident.
Turkey demands the demilitarisation of the Greek Aegean islands so as to transform them into a “neutral zone”. He intimates that sovereignty over the tiny Greek island of Kastelorizo is disputable
Only France is stepping forward to staunchly and with clear judgment support Greece’s just positions. Other EU countries, however, are not doing their part as their interests have led them to adopt a neutral stance.
In addition MED7 leaders urged Greece and Turkey to dialogue. The seven leaders led by Emmanuel Macron are not prepared to accept Turkish hegemony in the Mediterranean.
Greece and the enitire EU responded effectively when migrants and refugees in Evros were exploited by Ankara as a tool of blackmail to achieve objectives that were anything but humanitarian.
Given the challenges with which the EU is confronted one might have expected more generous approaches and dynamic policies in line with the geopolitical and other ambitions of the powers that play a leading role.
The French president’s remarks at a joint press conference with PM Mitsotakis are to date the clearest and most emphatic message of support of Greece’s sovereign rights.
Though strong international players such as the US and the EU have criticised the MOU it is clear that only France has begun to offer palpable backing at sea in the Mediterranean.
Διαχειριστής - Διευθυντής: Λευτέρης Θ. Χαραλαμπόπουλος
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