Realistic perspectives for meaningful and in-depth discussion Greek-Turkish The controversy after the elections to be held in the two countries is the subject of intense debate in diplomatic circles in Athens, as, as all show, the acquis created after February 6 and the devastating earthquakes in Turkey. it can lead to real dialogue conditions.

The dynamism of the situation is strengthened by the fact that, from a different point of view, they agree on the need for meaningful consultations between Athens and Ankara. international actors such as the US; and regional powers such as Egypt and Israel.

In previous days, Greek diplomacy has acted quickly, seizing opportunities, which is not self-evident after seven years of ever-increasing tension from Ankara (essentially with the failed 2016 coup). The quick response to the earthquake was followed by the re-opening of the channel between the ministries of foreign affairs, as well as at the level of the Grand Maximus – Presidential Palace, as well as symbolic steps, such as mutual support for international positions (non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for Greece and the General Secretariat of the International Maritime Organization for Turkey), but also a significant reduction in tensions, such as an informal moratorium on major national exercises in the Aegean until the completion of elections in the two countries and the end of the summer season, shows very sensitive diplomatic reflexes.

The observance of conditions of extreme secrecy during the negotiations on the latest initiatives is also an element that indicates that not only the processes, but also the coordination at various levels of power (Maximos, the Foreign Ministry) was absolute. The existing forms of dialogue between the two sides are already known (introductory contacts, confidence-building measures – memorandum of understanding, political dialogue, positive agenda, NATO normalization mechanism and to some extent the process of meeting the diplomatic advisers of the two leaders under the auspices of Berlin) and is taken for granted that after the formation of governments, some of them are somehow activated. Familiarization contacts with well-known typologies and memorandums of understanding at the level of ministries of national defense will certainly be launched, but the events of recent years raise some concerns about the agenda.

International factors such as the US, Egypt, Israel, increase the momentum for a substantial agreement.

Over the past three years, Ankara has de facto placed two additional issues on the table that have held back constructive discussion.

First this is the Turkish-Libyan memorandum and the imposition on them, with the participation of the third government (Tripoli), of the opinion that the Greek islands have no influence on the delimitation of maritime zones beyond 6 nautical miles of territorial waters.

And second is the relationship of the sovereignty of the islands of the eastern Aegean with their demilitarization. In a word, great efforts must be made by Ankara to create the ground for an honest conversation, which could lead to some kind of framework for mutual concessions and compromises.

Given that both Greece and Turkey have concluded agreements with Egypt and Libya respectively in recent years, it is clear that the process of settling the Greek-Turkish disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean will lead to negotiations with third parties. Information from Cairo that the Egyptians are urging the Turks to settle their differences with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus in order to join the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum is characteristic of a climate that is not limited to the larger Arab country. It seems that a similar atmosphere prevails in Israel, which has embarked on a course for a quick normalization of relations with Turkey, and earthquakes in this case play a virtually catalytic role.

Next Thursday, March 30, the foreign ministers of Greece, Israel and the Republic of Cyprus will meet in Nicosia to thaw the trilateral cooperation scheme after almost a year. With the exception of Nikos Dendias, who served as foreign minister for 3 years and 9 months, his colleagues Eli Cohen and Konstantinos Kombos represent governments that came into power just a few months and days ago, respectively.

In short, opinions are heard in Cairo and Jerusalem that are extremely close to everything that is broadcast at this time from Washington. The Americans – and this was quite clearly conveyed during his recent visit to Athens by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken – want to take advantage of the positive moment and move the Greek-Turkish negotiations forward as soon as possible.

In addition to a commitment to reduce tensions on NATO’s southeast flank, the war in Ukraine has exacerbated the need to diversify energy sources in Europe, another reason for Washington to immediately resolve the Greek-Turkish disputes. For this reason, it is expected that after the summer it will be seen whether the Americans will show any specific initiative or limit themselves to putting pressure on both sides. It is also unclear whether there are grounds for reopening the process on the Cyprus issue, the solution of which is – in any case – almost the central part in solving the puzzle of new energy balances in the Eastern Mediterranean.