Greece awaits European sanctions on Turkey; latter continues to drill

In this context, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dandias said on Friday that he was waiting to see what the European Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borrell would announce about options for European sanctions against Turkey.

"We are counting on the European spirit of solidarity," in agreeing to impose these sanctions, which he described as "necessary" to reduce tension in the eastern Mediterranean, Dandias added.

Today, European Union foreign ministers continue to meet in Berlin, in search of a way out of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The possibilities presented include imposing a package of sanctions on Turkey, or referring the entire file to the European summit to be held in late September, according to sources familiar with the meetings.

Tension is increasing day after day in the eastern Mediterranean, amid fears of a sliding situation towards a direct collision, especially in light of Turkey's insistence on imposing a fait accompli in the region by moving forward with exploration for oil wealth despite the objection of several neighboring countries, most notably Greece and Cyprus.

After unsuccessful Spanish mediation, it seems that the German mediation to reduce tension is also heading to failure, especially with the threatening language adopted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ankara's continued exploration.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that "the situation in the eastern Mediterranean is worrisome," stressing that she had spoken with the Secretary General of NATO on the matter, and continued: "The matter worries us and we want to put an end to the escalation."

Europe has united behind Greece and Cyprus, and its warnings to Turkey have become more serious. In this context, Joseph Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Policy in the European Union, said: "Ankara violated the sovereignty of Cyprus and Greece over the continental shelf."

For her part, French Defense Minister Florence Parly warned that the eastern Mediterranean "is not a playground for the ambitions of some."

The European maneuvers in the Mediterranean, with the participation of France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus, carried veiled messages to Turkey that Paris and Rome will act to protect the rights of Athens and Nicosia in the event Erdogan decides to risk.

J.O