Athens has sent clear signals to Turkey on next steps in their own but also the wider alliances relatioships, as Ankara ramps up its aggressive rhetoric against the 3+1 format realities and prospects, with defence minister Nikos Dendias expected in Nicosia on Monday to meet counterpart Vasilis Palmas on a host of bilateral issues.
There are clear preconditions if Turkey wants to make it 4+1, Dendias said in an interview, calling on the neighbouring country 'to accept the terms of international law and withdraw the casus belli against Greece', in order to join Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States.
'I wish it can indeed become 4+1', the Greek Defence added, but this will require reaching a level of understanding on things that will allow the partnership to accept Ankara and engage in discussions.
'We need common ground', he stated.
The Turkish government responded to the Dendias remarks earlier this week, threatening to deploy German Eurofighters across the Aegean Sea and seemingly refuting Berlin's assurances that the fighter jets deal carries a commitment of non-use against NATO allies.
'They will be deployed for any mission, including Aegean patrols', said Turkish defence ministry sources, also blatantly threatening with advanced Typhoon missiles.
'Izmir to Athens is 300 kms, the Typhoon range is 800', a Turkish analyst commented.