Slow and steady
There is mounting concern among commentators and analysts over the future of Greek-Turkish talks aimed at gradually normalizing relations between the two countries. This is especially so in light of the meeting that has been announced between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on December 7 in Thessaloniki.
Mitsotakis’ recent comments in a conversation with American historian Francis Fukuyama at the Economist Government Roundtable have heightened skepticism among certain circles in Athens. “It is not easy to find further room for improvement in Greek-Turkish relations with Erdogan being on the wrong side of history as he refuses to condemn Hamas, calling it a liberation movement,” he said, pointing to recent developments in the region.
To begin with, it is politically absurd for the Greek prime minister to publicly criticize the behavior of the Turkish president on a regional matter of enormous importance, especially when a meeting is being planned to discuss the way forward in normalizing bilateral relations. Granted, diplomatic tact and matters of protocol may appear moot given the chaotic international situation.
Mitsotakis – who is fully aligned with Israel and the policies pursued by the Biden administration in the US in relation to the terrible conflict in the Middle East – is clearly seeking to take advantage of Erdogan’s complete departure from the NATO position on the matter, believing that by doing so, he will turn Greece into a regional bastion of the West.
Washington’s annoyance at Ankara’s stance is a given, though it does not extend to the point that it would risk a rift. “I would say that Turkey, despite our disagreements on this question [of Hamas], has been a valuable NATO ally,” said US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller earlier this week.
With regard to the Greek-Turkish dialogue specifically, this will carry on regardless, for the simple reason that Turkey continues to consistently pursue a multifaceted foreign policy that is always geared toward protecting its self-interests – slowly and steadily.
