Greece: No EU defense role for Turkey while casus belli remains

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A senior Greek diplomatic source has delivered a clear message to Ankara:

Turkey will not join or participate in broader European defense mechanisms as long as it maintains a threat of war against Greece. The source also voiced strong concern over possible food shortages, citing the shadow of the Middle East crisis and the war in Ukraine. Athens’ position is that the European Union must not look the other way and should act collectively.

Greece’s diplomatic calendar in October is expected to be especially heavy. The country will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council at a time of critical international developments and the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General. The diplomatic source said the presidency will have a “major say” in that selection because it is tasked with seeking consensus among Council members. Athens has already formed a view on candidates who align with its principles; the priority is identifying who can secure the agreement of the Permanent Members.

Greek-Turkish relations: channels remain open amid tension

On Turkey, the source stressed that communication channels “never ceased.” Greece “remains consistent but is not going to make concessions on Greek positions.” The main pillars of the Greek-Turkish Structured Dialogue—confidence-building measures (MOE), political dialogue, and the Positive Agenda—continue. “The dialogue should continue” and recent tension should be reduced, the source said, adding that this does not depend only on the Greek side.

When Turkish actions conflict with core Greek positions, “of course there will be a corresponding response.”

“The first is that the channels of communication have never ceased. The channels start from the bottom of the hierarchy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reach the army. So the channels did not stop even during the period of tension. The second is that tension has indeed been generated beyond what we had experienced. My view is that the dialogue should definitely continue and we should try to ease these tensions,” the source said.

The structured dialogue has not disappeared. Specific dates have not yet been set, but planning is proceeding normally.

Upcoming milestones and the Cyprus-Greece electricity cable

Several challenges lie ahead, including research and installation of the electrical interconnection with Cyprus and related legislation expected to go to parliament for ratification. The source said the survey vessel will face no problems and work will continue as planned.

French participation is important, and even more so because this is a European project. “Whoever takes responsibility for a European project also takes responsibility,” the diplomat emphasized.

Cyprus: mobility without near-term optimism

On the Cyprus issue, the source assessed that there is “great mobility,” but current signs do not allow optimism before the end of the current UN Secretary-General’s term. The source described the Turkish president’s position as “unproductive,” even though Ankara has taken a milder stance on Greek-Turkish relations. Creating better momentum for a settlement that the next Secretary-General can inherit is considered very important.

On Turkey’s pursuit of a role in broader European defense mechanisms, the source said that for Athens it is a matter of principle: “this cannot proceed as long as there is a threat of war.”

Food and energy risks: call for EU action

Particular concern was expressed about energy security. “Everyone is in a state of great concern,” the source said, noting that planning is needed even for a possible prolonged crisis. For Greece, however, there is “no issue of adequacy” this winter because of existing reserves.

The source warned of a supply-chain problem: if current conditions continue, they will lead to a food crisis and, in any case, a very large increase in the prices of basic goods.

“As long as things remain as they are today, the need for collective action in the European Union will become obvious. I cannot see how Europe will turn a blind eye to the possibility of energy asphyxiation. Energy is not just for running industry. Energy is for heating, for transportation.”

Iran: negotiations remain very difficult

On relations with Iran and the Greek foreign minister’s meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Athens maintains a “permanent channel of communication,” but without optimism for an immediate regional peace. The Iranian side “does not appear willing to back down from its basic demands.” During the meeting, Greece conveyed its positions on freedom of navigation and maritime security.

“The Iranians are not at this moment disposed to make major concessions regarding their basic demands… a ceasefire throughout the Middle East, the lifting of sanctions, and the unfreezing of frozen assets. This makes any negotiation very, very difficult,” the Foreign Ministry source said.

UNGA contacts and broader outreach

In New York, Greece received a large number of meeting requests and sought contacts especially with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The source made special mention of India, Brazil, and Pakistan, of efforts to strengthen Greece’s footprint in Latin America, and of meetings with Eritrea, Libya, Algeria, Somalia, and Egypt. Algeria was highlighted as an energy partner; Somalia was discussed in the context of the Security Council and maritime security.

Rubio visit and U.S. ties

The senior diplomatic source described Greek-American relations as very good and confirmed that Marco Rubio is expected in Greece for the 6th round of the Strategic Dialogue, within a framework of “deep cooperation” that is developing further. The source linked Greece’s international standing to the diplomatic capital built in recent years and stressed the importance of synergy among foreign policy, defense, and the economy.

On Lebanon, the source said a proposal for participation in an international force after the end of UNIFIL is being examined.

Source: skai.gr

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