Greece, Jordan and Cyprus warn Turkey over Mediterranean tension

Athens/Ankara – Greece, Jordan and Cyprus have issued new warnings to Turkey over tensions in the Mediterranean. The three countries have warned that Turkey should not interfere in Cyprus’s affairs beyond the UN resolution and international law. Turkey has decided to reopen disputed portions of Northern Cyprus. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also visited the area recently. Turkey’s actions drew a strong international response where meetings in Greece, Jordan and Cyprus are considered part of it.

Various surveys conducted in the last few years have revealed that the Mediterranean region has large fuel reserves. Turkey has been making aggressive moves since last year to seize more of its resources. In the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey has asserted its claim on the fuel reserves within the borders of Greece and Cyprus. In August and later, Turkey launched a series of expeditions into the Mediterranean, sending research ships and warships. Greece had increased its deployment in the Mediterranean in protest of Turkey’s actions.

At the same time, Greece has taken swift steps to build an international lead against Turkey’s actions. Over the past year, the Greek government has focused on strengthening strategic cooperation with France, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Egypt. The tripartite meeting with Jordan is considered a significant milestone. Greece had started making efforts in 2018 to increase its cooperation with Jordan. The meeting in Athens is a sign that these efforts are succeeding.

In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and occupied parts of it. To commemorate the campaign, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Turkish part of Cyprus on July 20. The visit signalled the resumption of the controversial Ghost town Varosha in Cyprus. It is said that the Turkish authorities have started making preparations for this. Greece and Cyprus, upset by Turkey’s move, have launched an effort to pressure Turkey through the international community.

The meeting and joint statement with Jordan’s King Abdullah II are considered a part of that. The statement also warned Turkey about the situation in the Mediterranean region, along with the Cyprus issue. Greece, Jordan and Cyprus have warned that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Mediterranean is in the interests of all countries in the region and should be a strategic priority.