During a recent informal European Union (EU) summit in
Malta, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras brought attention to increased
Turkish military action in the Aegean Sea and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF)
strict position in terms of Greece’s economic situation.
Tensions between Greece and Turkey have been high following
a Greek high court decision that blocked extradition of eight Turkish military
servicemen who were indicted in Turkey for taking part in last year’s coup
attempt. That decision was followed by Turkish leadership suggesting that the
country might annul a migrant readmission protocol agreement by Turkey and the
EU.
Military action in the Aegean also saw upticks following the Greek court’s
ruling, with Turkey pushing the issue of “grey zones” in the Aegean and
violating airspace and the Athens FIR.
Tsipras criticized the
Turkish government’s offer of dialogue in the wake of these incidents, which he
believes should be relegated to an international arbitration body.
“I would like to send a clear message: This path leads
nowhere,” he said. “Greece is determined to defend its sovereign rights
within the framework of International and European law, which is being violated
by the other side. Let us not forget that Greek borders are European borders.”
Tsipras also criticized the IMF, which has strictly
maintained its call for radical economic reform in Greece.
