The French Embassy in Cyprus said it all in its tweet earlier by accusing the Turks of playing one member of the EU (implying Greece) against another (implying Cyprus).
One cannot play a country against the other. There need to be quick gestures in the direction of both those countries of the European Union," the French Embassy in Cyprus quoted French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clement Beaune as saying.
Never underestimate how masterful Turks are in diplomacy. Not only do they isolate the Cypriot leadership in Nicosia by withdrawing the Oruç Reis research vessel from Greece's sovereign territory, but they attempt to pitch Cyprus against Greece.
If you followed the Greek media over the last few days, many outlets are proclaiming "victory" because the Oruç Reis is back in a Turkish port. Rarely do they even mention that violations continue in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone.
How can Greece expect EU solidarity if they don’t subscribe to ideology that an attack on one EU member is an attack on all?
Why should say Finland and Sweden care if Greece does not include Cyprus in what affects its own interests?
This for a number of reasons beyond what I have just stated.
The statements I have been reading, that the two issues (Greece and Cyprus) are entirely distinct, is nothing but a cop out. Technically they may be separate but in terms of micro and macro international relations policy they are inextricably linked. The source of the aggression is identical ie Turkey.
Also Greece has obligations morally (like all EU states), but beyond it has legal obligations as a Guarantor Power and emotional responsibilities as a kin state.
If Nicosia is left alone and ostracised at the EU summit, this will have consequences for Nicosia-Athens relations, and the Turks will be the winners for their aggressive position. Not only has the Turkish aggressiveness brought Greece to a negotiation, which by its very nature only Greece can offer concessions, but they skillfully put a wedge between the two kin states.
A potentially serious blow for Hellenism as a whole.
I hope Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his advisers know what they’re doing.
Do they even care?
Today the President of Greece visits Cyprus, her first foreign visit. Her position as head of state is merely symbolic. I just hope this is not just a "show trip" and that Cyprus is not left bleeding at the end of this week.
As I said at the beginning of this post, the French have already identified Turkish aims to divide and rule.
The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of Greek City Times.