The Director of Eurasia Group, Emre Peker, tells SKAI that the starting point of this new period was the Greek Prime Minister’s speech to Congress.
Eurasia Group Director Emre Peker analyzes the reasons behind the new round of sharpening of Turkey’s rhetoric towards Greece.
Speaking to SKAI and Maria Tsilinikou, he mentions that the starting point of this new period was the Greek Prime Minister’s speech to Congress.
The interview in detail:
Journalist’s question: Turkey is escalating its rhetoric and aggression with multiple violations of Greek airspace. In fact, Turkey accused Greece of harassing its fighter jets during the NATO mission in the Mediterranean. For what purpose?
I think this has been building for a long time, Maria. And it really peaked when Prime Minister Mitsotakis was in Washington and addressing the parliamentarians, he warned them not to sell F-16s to Turkey. This really struck a nerve with Ankara and fueled some mistrust in the country’s ability to resolve bilateral outstanding issues in the Aegean. Coupled with this is the US investment in recent years in strengthening its military presence and capacity in Greece, which Turkey sees as a direct threat and direct competition. All this, I think, intensifies the tensions in the Aegean.
Reporter’s question: Should we see this nationalist rhetoric as part of an internal political game?
Yes, absolutely. As I mentioned earlier, we have an election no later than June 2023 and the approval rating is near historic lows. Erdogan would not hesitate to use it in his re-election campaign, whether targeting exploration in the waters around Cyprus or escalating tensions with Greece in the Aegean through air battles and border issues
Journalist’s question: What changes at the geopolitical level after the discovery of a natural gas field in Block 6 of the Cyprus EEZ.
It was interesting. I would have expected it to generate more reactions and announcements from Turkey, but it didn’t. Two years ago, I think we could have easily seen a lot more Turkish harassment of foreign exploration ships, Turkey sending its own ships for exploration, drilling, seismic activities in the area.
Journalist’s question: What do you think President Erdogan’s reaction will be?
I think she will remain silent. But if there is exploration in these waters, then we can see Turkey reacting very harshly and escalating tensions with the Navy or with drilling activities.
Reporter’s question: The State Department recognizes the right of Cyprus to develop resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone. Do you think this statement is a clear message to Turkey?
I’m not entirely sure why the State Department is protecting American interests in the region. There are a number of American companies, including Exxon Mobil, which are drilling in Cypriot waters under licenses granted by Nicosia.
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