Tension between Turkey and Greece ignites again

Against the background of the maritime borders, and before the start of the exploratory talks in their new tour between them, next Monday, in Istanbul, it seems that tension may flare up again between Greece and Turkey, especially after the Greek parliament launched discussions two days ago to expand the territorial waters in the Mediterranean.

In remarks reported by local media on Thursday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis considered that there is a general feeling that Turkey is acting in a way that will not lead to the strengthening of peace in the eastern Mediterranean region.

He also added, "If we cannot solve the demarcation of our maritime borders through diplomatic means, we can refer them to the International Court."

Mitsotakis stressed that the differences with Turkey affect its relationship with Europe, saying: "That is why Europe has taken a decision to impose additional measures regarding illegal exploration in the eastern Mediterranean."

This comes while Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is expected to meet today during his visit to Brussels senior EU officials, in addition to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who has made efforts to reduce tension between the two neighbors, members of the alliance.

Earlier, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that his country plans to expand its territorial waters east of Crete in the Mediterranean.

He also stressed in front of the members of the Greek Parliament, that there is no difference in the opinions presented by the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the expansion of regional waters and the issues that will be discussed during the exploratory talks between Turkey and Greece, which will resume in Istanbul on Monday with its 61^st round.

The relations between the two countries, against the background of gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, have witnessed a sharp escalation in tension during the past months, but the relative calm has recently returned after the mediation of NATO and the European Union with German efforts, and an agreement to resume negotiations between the two parties.

J.O