Mitsotakis – Erdoğan: Diplomatic Poker in New York

The meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to take place on Tuesday, September 23, in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. The announcement was confirmed by government sources, with Mitsotakis scheduled to depart for the U.S. on Monday to participate in the Assembly and deliver his speech on Friday, September 26.

Tensions in the Aegean and the “Piri Reis”

In recent weeks, the two sides have been in constant communication, though relations were tested following the NAVTEX issued by Ankara for the research activities of the oceanographic vessel “Piri Reis” in the Aegean. The vessel’s presence in the Gulf of İzmir until late Sunday evening indicates that the diplomatic channel remains active. However, any potential departure of the ship for research could derail the planned meeting.

Expectations and Realism

Expectations for the meeting remain low, but it is anticipated that a message will be sent emphasizing the maintenance of calm. Discussions may also touch on more specific matters, such as the Greece-Turkey electricity interconnection. In Athens, officials note Ankara’s irritation, particularly following developments that have strengthened Greece’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Chevron’s interest in two blocks south of Crete.

Military Movements and Demonstration of Strength

The activation of “Delta Force”, through an emergency exercise of the Greek Armed Forces, is interpreted as a clear message of readiness in all directions. Simultaneously, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) are conducting four different exercises across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, including a joint exercise with Egypt.

Cyprus Issue at the Forefront

A less visible but highly significant aspect of next week’s meetings concerns the Cyprus issue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to meet on September 27 with the President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, to assess whether there is room for bolder steps, including the possibility of a new informal five-party conference.

However, the upcoming “elections” in the occupied areas limit the prospects for substantial progress. Despite these challenges, Guterres appears determined to make another attempt, mindful of the Crans-Montana collapse in 2017.

Source: pagenews.gr