LAST UPDATE: 13:47
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu is calling on Greece to “stop asking for help from others”, addressing his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, via Twitter.
“Dear Nikos, here is some friendly advice for the new year,” the Turkish Foreign Minister said in his post.
As reported by kathimerini.gr, he added: “Stop asking for help from others and harming the dignity of the Greek people. Let 2021 be the year that we will settle our disputes in a fair way, by speaking directly, honestly and seriously.”
In several interviews he gave during the weekend, the Greek Foreign Minister said that a key condition for the resumption of exploratory talks with Turkey was if Turkey “is willing to pursue a constructive dialogue under international law, which must be a permanent choice and not a flag of convenience.”
“The European Council adopted recently the same the stance taken by the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis,” he pointed out. He added that Ankara’s agenda will by no means be accepted.
Turkish President: Those who threaten us with sanctions will be eventually disappointed
Those who threaten Ankara with sanctions will eventually be disappointed, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Saturday.
According to Anadolu agency, in a videotaped message about the highway inauguration, the Turkish president noted that his country would “never hesitate to exercise its sovereign rights.”
“They tried to deal with Turkey by any means, such as terrorist organisations, coup attempts, political and economic pitfalls, sanctions, and they did not succeed in achieving their goal so far,” the Turkish President said.
He also pointed out that they would cooperate with those who treat Turkey with respect and justice.
“We leave the door open for those who are ready to talk with us on fair terms,” he said.
There is “strong likelihood” that EU will adopt “strict measures”
According to kathimerini.gr, it is noteworthy that there is a “strong likelihood” that the EU will adopt “strict measures” against Turkey if it does not change its behaviour in the coming months, highlights Joseph Borel in his text on Euro-Turkish relations.
The Turkish president attempted to open up to the EU, as during his communication with German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that Turkey wanted “to open a new page” in its relations with Europe.
Turkish President seeks update of refugee agreement
At the same time, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “Turkey seeks the resumption of exploratory talks with Greece”, but accused that the Greek government “avoided talks by making various excuses”.
The Turkish president asked the German chancellor to update the refugee agreement (in a statement he made on the 18th of March) and stressed that it would be the “key” to the positive agenda of EU- Turkish relations.
Dear Niko, here's some friendly advice for the new year- stop asking for help from others and injuring the Greek people’s dignity. May 2021 be the year when we settle our differences equitably by talking directly, sincerely, and earnestly. @NikosDendias https://t.co/ui3hyO8iYi
— Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu (@MevlutCavusoglu) December 20, 2020
Response of Greek FM Nikos Dendias
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in a response he posted on Twitter addressing his Turkish counterpart hopes that 2021 will be the year when Turkey will abandon the threats of war, will become more European, will avoid provocations and illegal activities.
In fact, he points out that the Turkish Foreign Minister seems to forget to mention international law, which is the only basis for a constructive dialogue.
“Thank you, my dear friend, Mevlüt”, said Nikos Dendias. “As we exchange wishes and advice, may 2021 be the year of the three “A”s for Turkey to:
1. Abandon its threats of war against Greece should we exercise our legitimate rights. After all, we live in the 21st century.
2. Aspire to become more European. Less Neo-Ottoman. This will best serve the Turkish people.
3. Abstain from provocations and illegal activities.”
“By the way. There is one thing Mevlut you forgot to mention yet again: it’s International Law. The only basis for a constructive dialogue about our difference, my dear friend. Happy 2021,” he concluded.
Thank you my dear friend Mevlut. As we exchange wishes and advice, may 2021 be the year of the three “A”s for Turkey to: 1. Abandon its threats of war against Greece should we exercise our legitimate rights. After all we live in the 21st century. @MevlutCavusoglu
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) December 21, 2020
