For the first time in years, the Greek government appears prepared to enter into open confrontation with Turkey over energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean. Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, speaking to OPEN TV’s “10 Pantou” program, did not deny reports by Kathimerini tis Kyriakis that Athens has decided to restart surveys for the Greece - Cyprus electricity interconnection, with a Navtex expected to be issued within the next two months.
Pressed on whether such a move could trigger a standoff with Ankara, Gerapetritis was blunt: “There is absolutely no reason for concern. We will measure ourselves in the field, you know.”
“We Will Exercise Our Rights in the Field”
Asked to clarify the phrase, the minister laid out Greece’s position. “The research and laying of electricity cables is something fully protected under international law. It cannot be obstructed. If Turkey, which aspires to join the European Union, chooses to interfere with a European project, it will bear the consequences. Greece will not be dictated to.”
Gerapetritis went on to stress that Athens has moved beyond a defensive mindset in its relations with Ankara: “For many years we had what I call the hedgehog dilemma, we avoided getting close to Turkey for fear of being pricked by its spines. The answer is simple: Greece now pursues an autonomous policy. It rests on a very strong defense that we have significantly reinforced, a resilient economy, and diplomacy built on major alliances.”
He added: “We will protect our sovereign rights and exercise them in the field. This is very clear. We have prepared for all possible scenarios. Greece will not abandon any right derived from international law. We will exercise them under any circumstances, with the support of our alliances.”
Cyprus’ Concerns
According to Kathimerini tis Kyriakis, Athens has sensed hesitations from Nicosia, which appears wary of escalating tensions with Turkey. However, the report notes that Greece is unlikely to back down from a project that not only enjoys secured EU funding but is also “entirely compatible with international law.”