In “fight” with Greece, Erdogan toughens tones even against President Macro

In the wake of the clash in the Mediterranean and challenging statements, France's President Emmanuel Macron, who is one of Greece's main allies, said Europeans must be clear and placed not before the Turkish people, but in front of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

The Turkish government is being included in the unacceptable “manners”, looking for gas in alleged waters from Cyprus and Greece, as well as other “provocations”.

We need to take a joint position when it comes to Turkey. We need a common European policy when it comes to energy and strategic issues. These issues should not be left alone NATO. A strong position of European countries is needed on these issues. Turkey is no longer a partner in the region.

The French president added that Turkey ignores Greek rights and that unacceptable agreements have been signed with the Libyan government. Meanwhile, Turkey retorted the French president with a statement from the Foreign Ministry, which he called Macron “arogant” and reminded him that he is returning to “reflexing old colonial”. Macron is unable to make decisions on maritime areas, the ministry in Ankara said, adding that France should favour reconciliation and dialogue in the country.

Macro's individual and nationalist stance encourages tension and puts Europe and the EU's top interests at risk, the statement further said.