Kostas Karamanlis sharply criticizes Greece's foreign policy and US stance
Former prime minister Kostas Karamanlis denounced the ratification of the Turkey-Libya memorandum and warned against informing Turkey about the Greece-Cyprus power cable.
At a ceremony for retired senior army officers, former prime minister Kostas Karamanlis warned that the Libyan parliament's endorsement of the Turkey-Libya memorandum undermines Greece's national interests, characterising it as a display of force rather than a legally binding act. He argued that Turkey's broader strategy aims to overturn the status quo in the Aegean, seeking rights deep within the sea and control up to the 25th parallel.
Karamanlis also condemned any proposal to inform or grant Turkey a licence for the Greece-Cyprus electricity cable, insisting such steps would make future Aegean projects dependent on Turkish permission. He rejected the notion of a "acceptable compromise" with Turkey, calling it a misreading of Ankara's objectives, and noted that past Greek governments have unsuccessfully pursued dialogue since 1974. The former premier also rebuked allies, particularly the United States and the European Union, for failing to take a firm stance and for suggesting partial concessions to Turkish demands.
Why it matters
Karamanlis' remarks highlight growing tensions over regional security and energy projects, affecting Greece's diplomatic relations and strategic alliances.
How this story developed
- Oct 20 Libyan Parliament Reverses 2020 Boycott and Ratifies Turkey-Libya Maritime Deal
- Oct 20 Libya’s parliament reversed its 2020 boycott and formally ratified the treaty.
- Oct 22 Greece and Egypt began negotiations to expand their exclusive economic zone eastward.
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