By Gifts Antoniou

All other than accidental is the timeframe of the statements of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who triggered the strong reaction of Athens yesterday. More so, they come in the follow of Turkey’s increased mobility both towards Libya, with the main aim of ratifying the illegal Turkish Memorandum by the House of Representatives of Benghazi, and to Egypt, which seeks to re -enhance and reinforce cooperation.

It is clear that Ankara is very methodically moving to increase its influence in the wider Southeast Mediterranean region, while with its actions it is trying to cancel in practice previous moves in our country. Mr Fidan was very clear for that: “But in every issue, we know who has done what, with which players they went to do what, how they have attempted to besiege Turkey in the past. We saw these, we took our steps and we continue. “he underlined in his statements.

The intervention of the Turkish Foreign Minister comes at a time when significant developments are expected. In a few days, the results of the tender for the launch of hydrocarbon investigations on plots south of Crete, which has been announced by Greece, are expected. The completion of the ratification procedures of the illegal Turkolibyan Memorandum will obviously be used by Ankara for the pressure In our country and it remains to be seen whether the memorandum is used in order to transfer the illegal claims to the field.

In addition, the government has said that work will soon be repeated to re -establish our country’s energy connection cable, work that Turkey has interrupted and eventually interrupted in a previous year. Athens insists that this is a European project that will continue normally. Ankara, for its part, has said that no energy work can proceed in the wider area without having its participation or approval. And Mr Fidan warned that “But they should not open the door to crises that can create a geostrategic cost.”

With these issues in the spotlight, as developments are expected to be developed soon, the Turkish Foreign Minister’s interview is expected. not considered by accident. Obviously, Ankara sends its own messages, closely watching developments and moving to form an advantage itself with the appropriate alliances and partnerships.

At the same time, the statements of the Turkish Foreign Minister confirms that the Greek -Turkish dialogue is in a quagmire. “We hope that Greek politics can also reach the maturity and confidence of Turkish politics and discuss issues easier” Mr Fidan said, essentially reiterating Ankara’s attempt to enter the dialogue table and other issues other than defining maritime zones that Athens recognizes as a unique difference.

The stagnation in the dialogue is also reflected in the constant postponements it has taken in recent months The convening of the Hellenic -Turkey Supreme Cooperation Councilbut also Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two will be in New York for the UN Annual General Assembly and will probably have a piece there. However, a scheduled meeting or something new to convene the ASS does not exist.