Turkey and Greece Ready for Dialogue

The Turkish residence was the first to publish the news that the parties have agreed to negotiate drilling and gas research in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The performance of the talks will depend on Greece's next step, Turkey's president, Recep Tayip Erdogan, says. “The imploding pulse and dialogue must be based on interlocking steps.” Earlier Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel have been consulted in a videoconference on the issue.

Turkey's president hopes that the EU summit in early October will give a new <x0-life” reports between the EU and Ankara are further said. The summit will talk of possible imposing sanctions against Turkey due to tensions in the Mediterranean.

The Greek Foreign Ministry has confirmed that interrupted negotiations with Ankara will continue in 2016. The meeting will be held soon in Istanbul. The consultations between Athens and Ankara have begun to be held in 1999, but with frequent interruptions. The new round of talks will be 61 consecutive, said in Athens, reports dw.

Erdogan wants Turkish Cypriot part involved in talks

Erdogan has proposed holding a regional conference that would include all parties interested in the dispute, including the Turkish part of Cyprus. Such a conference would have a <x0-positive and constructive” influence in the current situation in the eastern Mediterranean”, Erdogan said.

The Turkish president also spoke of this conflict at the UN General Assembly. In his speech via video he requested a real “dialog” to end the crisis. At the same time, he also condemned the “obstructions” created by the West.

Fights in the eastern Mediterranean have erupted due to gas exploration by Turkey in water zones between Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. The Turkish government has rejected criticism and is of the opinion that these international waters belong to Turkey. Conflicting parties have opposing claims and have sent warships there.

Macro warns

Fights in the Mediterranean have also been a topic of treatment in the call between France's President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Erdogan. President Erdogan expects France to be reasonable and constructive in this process”, the Turkish presidency addressed. While France's president has requested, according to Elysée Palace data, he has asked Erdogan that “respect EU member states and international law”.

The Macroni has called on Erdogan to give up unilateral steps and measures, aimed at reducing strains. “Turkey must commit to creating a peaceful space and co-operation in the Mediterranean”. France too has strengthened its military presence in the Mediterranean, due to recent strains between Greece and Turkey. Two weeks ago, Macron called on Turkey not to pass the “

Cyprus blocks EU

Cyprus authorities have been calling from the EU incriminating against Turkey because of this conflict. To increase pressure on partners, this country has blocked the introduction of sanctions against Belarus. The EU plans sanctions against leaders in Minsk, due to election manipulation and violence against the opposition. But sanctions have not been imposed due to Cyprus' opposition. The US has now been involved in this conflict and has asked Cyprus to accept the enforcement of sanctions against Belarusn authorities. Washington is willing to support these sanctions.