By Neoklis Neokleous
With messages of a diplomatic resolution to the disputes between Athens and Ankara regarding the implementation of the Cyprus-Crete power interconnection, U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, departed from Greece.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In an interview with “Kathimerini,” he described the possibility of a Greek-Turkish conflict as unthinkable, emphasizing that U.S. diplomats would work behind the scenes to avert any crisis, hoping, as he said, that a solution would be found.
“Greece and Turkey are allies and partners in NATO, so it simply cannot happen. It would not be good for anyone—neither for Turkey nor for Greece, nor for the U.S. I would say that it is unthinkable to me, something we could never allow to happen, and something I do not believe will happen.”
The leaks from Athens suggesting that it is only a matter of days before a NAVTEX is issued so that the French research vessel can proceed with the necessary bathymetric surveys off the coast of Kasos.
Sources at the Maximos Mansion cited by “Kathimerini” report that the formula agreed upon by Paris and Athens remains the same: issuing a statement regarding the upcoming surveys to inform the coastal states in the region—specifically Turkey—while avoiding requesting its permission.
Nicosia is currently adopting a wait-and-see approach, monitoring developments from a distance, with the Government Spokesperson avoiding any mention of the possibility of issuing a NAVTEX.
“I cannot comment on reports. If there is an official government position, please provide it to me. You are referring to reports whose validity I cannot verify, with all due respect.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis – Government Spokesperson
Ankara is closely monitoring developments, with the Turkish media providing extensive coverage of Marco Rubio’s visit to Athens.
While emphasizing the U.S. Secretary of State’s understanding of the sensitivities of the countries in the region, they nevertheless highlighted the new agreement between Athens and Washington on U.S. defense procurement programs.
The Turkish media also reported extensively on the statement by the head of U.S. diplomacy regarding the unthinkable possibility of a Greek-Turkish conflict.
