Η Turkey is reigniting tensions in the Aegean Sea following the issuance of a new NAVTEX for exploration in the Aegean Sea, shortly before a date was set for the 62nd round of the exploratory talks.
In a statement, Ankara announced that it is deploying the oceanographic vessel to the Aegean Sea «CESME,», for hydrographic surveys between Lemnos, Skyros, and Alonnisos. Essentially, with this move—which involves claiming an area in international waters in the central Aegean—Turkey is challenging Greece’s authority to issue NAVTEX.
Virtual Meeting of NATO Defense Ministers
At the same time, the defense ministers of NATO, with the participation of the new U.S. Secretary of Defense and with the Biden administration having sent clear messages to Ankara regarding the S-400 and its overall stance within the alliance.
At the meeting, the Greek foreign minister, Nikos Dendias, has raised the issue of Turkish provocations in the eastern Mediterranean with his counterparts.
As part of the U.S. shift in policy following Biden's commitment to strengthen transatlantic relations, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, He will participate online in the EU Foreign Ministers’ Council on Monday. This is a particularly noteworthy move, as at the last summit, European leaders had stated that they would seek coordination with the U.S. to address Turkey’s actions.
He spoke on the phone with Nikos Dendias with the Sergei Lavrov, at the initiative of the Russian Foreign Minister.
«I briefed my Russian counterpart on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, and we also discussed EU--Russia, regarding which I emphasized the importance of maintaining channels of communication and an open and frank dialogue,» the Greek foreign minister said in a Twitter post.
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Portuguese Parliament reiterated Portugal’s support for Greece during videoconference with members of the Greek Parliament—a move of particular significance, given that the Portugal It holds the presidency of the Council of the EU for the current six-month term.
