The assessment that a Third World War is possible in the near future, but also that the conditions have matured so that we can now talk about Cyprus joining NATO, was commented by the former Minister of Defense, Alcibiades Stefanis, to ERTNEWS.

At the same time, the Commander of Mount Athos also discussed how the Greek-Turkish dialogue is developing.

Regarding the statements of the Prime Minister, that no progress has been achieved in the discussion on our dispute with Turkey and that Ankara wants to open the fan and put all the issues on the table, Mr. Stefanis underlined: “First of all I would like to say that it is a completely realistic statement.

The Prime Minister of the country talks through his organs, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, through the Minister of National Defense and he himself meets with Mr. Erdogan, but at the same time he sees that it is very difficult to find an area where we agree.

I will say that oft-quoted “we agree that we disagree on too many issues”, even the number of issues we will discuss, while doing two things.

The country continues to be strengthened at all levels, diplomatically and operationally, while we hear every day about the statements of the defense minister friend and I say the friend, because I have repeatedly spoken with him and the Turkish defense minister about all the things that he said ».

On whether the window of opportunity has closed or never opened, on the critical issue of the continental shelf and the EEZ, Mr. Stefanis replies: “No, the window of opportunity has not closed, as long as we are talking the window of opportunity exists.

But we must not forget that Greece has critical national interests in the region and has considered that Turkey does as well. So, the window of opportunity exists, as long as it serves the national goals that we have set as a country.

That our position is unshakable in terms of sovereignty as Greece, we have shown in 2020 with what happened on the Evros and later on the islands and then with what happened in the Southeast Mediterranean.

So we have shown that our position is unshakable in relation to the defense of our sovereign rights”.

Challenges

We had a barrage of violations and Mr. Hakan Fidan to speak about Turkish minority and recently Mr. Guler, first of all to target Alexandroupolis indirectly but clearly also the United States because they have forces there. It refers to a Turkish license “issued” for the Italian ship in the area of ​​Kasos by Turkey, Greece denies this and finally makes references to the Berne Protocol.

For all these challenges Mr. Stefanis emphasizes: “First of all, let’s start from the fact that these demonstrate how correct Greece’s decision was, to establish a strategic relationship with the United States, NATO and the European Union in relation to Alexandroupolis.

This has bothered Turkey from the first moment it happened, that is, the availability to the entire Western world of an alternative passage, except for the straits controlled by Turkey, has terribly bothered Turkey and the emergence of Alexandroupolis as a pole, in a strategic node again bothers her and that’s why there is no moment when she raises issues and does not mention her.

At the same time, Mr. Guler also touched on the issue of the militarization of the islands. OK, here now the answer from our side is quite simple and it has been said in every way that it is threatened, not demilitarized.

Intense irritation of Turkey

As to whether the reactions are also related to the European maps that recently came to light and particularly irritated Turkey, Mr. Stefanis answers: At this time, Turkey is extremely upset about many things. She is irritated by the position of Greece in the European data, she is strengthened and the prime minister has gained special prestige and weight in the events of Europe.

She is disturbed by the discussion taking place in Cyprus about the possible request of the President of Cyprus for Cyprus to become a member of NATO. He is very disturbed, that is why he sees that there is a connection between Greece and Cyprus in this.

The Turkish President is annoyed by what is happening in Alexandroupolis and by all the strengthening we are doing to our defense force”.

Cyprus in NATO

“First of all, let’s say that Cyprus belongs to the West, that is finished, it is clarified. Secondly, are the conditions ripe for Cyprus to join NATO? Of course they have matured.

I would like to remind that of the four countries in Europe that are not members of NATO, Austria, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, the first three are already members of the Pfp Partnership for Peace Organization, Cyprus is not.

And I would like to tell you something from NATO about what is going on. Every time in NATO we talk about Cyprus, do you know what the answer is? But Cyprus has never asked to become a member.

If Cyprus asks to become a member of NATO, it is certain that Turkey will refuse and the debate within NATO do you know what it will be? Turkey is the one that refuses the entry of Cyprus.

So, the interest, the concern, the problem is transferred from Cyprus, which is not a member, and it turns and turns against Turkey, which denies the entry of Cyprus, which it also did in Sweden and Finland, and we saw what happened. So, again, Turkey will find itself in a difficult position.”

As to whether we are close to the accession of Cyprus to NATO, Mr. Stefanis emphasized: “This moment is very appropriate because Turkey is negotiating a lot of things with Europe and Turkey needs Europe.”.

Third World War

Some believe we are already in World War III and Mr. Stefanis comments: “There are five elements to say that we are in a world war.

The first element is the number of wars. In the Second World War, because it is the measure of comparison, there were more than 30 countries involved in this war. Now the countries are not so much either on the Ukrainian front or on the Middle East front.

The second is the field where military operations take place. In World War II it was the whole world. So now we see that the conflicts are regional.

The third is human resources. In World War II over 110 million were involved in military operations, now the numbers are much smaller.

The fourth element is destruction, which is done by war. Disasters are also limited here. Where are we now? We are in 1914, we are in 1939. We are days or years ago. If the necessary actions are not taken and if the necessary measures are not taken, we will probably see in the near future, a third World War.”