English archaeologist Alice Roberts has called for the permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, likening their removal to cutting the Mona Lisa in half and comparing their significance to Stonehenge’s for England. Speaking on Times Radio, Roberts noted a shifting British sentiment following her meeting with Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
Tag: international diplomacy
Speaking at an iftar dinner with foreign ambassadors in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. He expressed support for preserving the positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations through mutual steps.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned Israel’s actions in Jerusalem, labeling them “unacceptable” and warning…
Remarks by Spanish officials during a visit to Cyprus have stirred controversy, as they criticized Turkey’s occupation of the island, calling it an “anomaly for Europe.” The response from Turkish media was swift, with a pro-government newspaper labeling the comments as “scandalous,” highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Mediterranean and differing views within the EU about Turkey’s actions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent comments on Jerusalem raise significant questions about Turkey’s sovereignty over Istanbul. While his government claims to protect religious heritage, Erdoğan’s actions, such as the conversion of major Christian landmarks into mosques, tell a different story. These moves not only challenge the status of Jerusalem but also highlight concerns about religious freedom and minority rights within Turkey. As discussions on Jerusalem’s status unfold, the international community may reconsider its stance on Istanbul’s sovereignty.
Athens commemorated 50 years of Greek foreign policy since the restoration of democracy with a two-day conference featuring prominent leaders and diplomats. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou highlighted the ongoing Cyprus issue as a “deep trauma,” while Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis emphasized dialogue as key to resolving disputes, including Greek-Turkish tensions. Former Prime Ministers George Papandreou and Antonis Samaras offered contrasting views, with Papandreou praising diplomatic milestones like the Prespa Agreement and Samaras criticising current foreign policy as weakened.
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, highlights the crucial need to address the Cyprus issue to strengthen Turkey-EU relations. In his annual expansion report, Borrell outlines Turkey’s continued non-recognition of Cyprus and associated challenges, yet notes recent positive developments in regional cooperation and trade.
As Cyprus prepares for an upcoming meeting with President Joe Biden, the island nation has solidified its role as a crucial strategic partner for the U.S. Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, President Nikos Christodoulidis’s favourable standing in Washington and recent defence agreements highlight Cyprus’s importance in regional security discussions.
King Charles hosted a dinner for 47 leaders at the European Political Community meeting in Oxfordshire, engaging in conversations with key figures including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron.