THE DETERIORATING GREEK - TURKISH RELATIONS

In an escalating war of nerves between Athens and Ankara, the bilateral relations have seriously deteriorated, "sparking fears" of a military conflict between the two countries.


The Greek Minister of Defence, Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos, recently emphasised of "Greece's "readiness for military conflict with Turkey", if further provoked. A  Greek navy ship attempted to inspect cargo vessels off the Libyan coast, but the Turkish military escort refused access.  Greece also protested against the illegal Turkish drilling plans in 24 locations in the Eastern Mediterranean, which are Greek, Cypriot and European Union territories.


The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, warned that Athens would retaliate if Ankara begins drilling in the area.


However, Paul Antonopoulos, a Greek-Turkish expert said that the situation will remain a "war of words": "Since winning independence from the Ottoman empire, there have been four major wars between Greece and Turkey, with Greece always being the first to declare war.  Athens does not want war, but will respond to Turkish aggression" he told the international press and added, "It is unlikely that Erdogan will declare war, especially as Turkey is militarily overextended in Syria and Libya and is facing an economic crisis" at home.

Agia Sophia - A Symbol of World Civilisation 

The controversy about the conversion of Agia Sophia, in Constantinople (built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century and protected under the UNESCO world heritage list) into a mosque has been protested by the Greek government, especially due to its status as a former seat of the Greek Orthodox Church.


A spokesman for the Greek government said: "Agia Sophia is a global UN world heritage site that is now being used as a tool to promote other aims."   Also, Antonopoulos said that its status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site would require the approval of the Paris based organisation to convert it".


" Failure to get approval could see various kinds of punishment against Turkey by the  UN backing sanctions, and Erdogan may not want to risk the economic volatility," he added.  "Erdogan is forming issues ...as a way to distract the Turkish population form the severe economic situation".


How very unfortunate we, Greeks, are to have such aggressive and bellicose neighbours.

Roses in a Vase by Jules Ferdinand Medard