Instead of Burak Ozugergin, the Turkish ambassador to Athens is an old acquaintance of several experienced Greek diplomats. 56 year old Chagatai Erzigesthe former director of political and aviation affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is perhaps the most informed and active Turkish diplomat on issues related to the essence of Greek-Turkish problems, at least as it is perceived Anchor: maritime zones, airspace and demilitarization of the islands. Considering that the current Ambassador Burak Ozugergin has already publicly and often rather inelegantly expressed Ankara’s views on Greece, it remains to be seen whether the arrival of Ersigesh has any significant character at a time when channels between the two countries are almost non-existent. Considering that besides Turkolivicos, Ankara is currently highlighting demilitarization as a major issue, it should be taken for granted that the new ambassador arrives with this agenda.

Mr. Erziges has been aware of the investigations for 14 years, from 2009 to 2010, when, in his capacity as Deputy Director of Aviation Affairs, he provided technical documentation to the Turkish delegation on matters within his purview. This, we recall, is the exploration phase, during which in 2009-2010 an attempt was made to resume efforts to reach an agreement on territorial waters. Those who knew him speak of him as a skilled negotiator and precise verbal manipulator. Mr. Erciges is a classic case of a Turkish diplomat who expressed deep feelings and belonged to the team of 66-year-old Feridun Sinirlioglu, who is leaving the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the UN. His opinions are inherently harsh, but those who know him report that he is not absolute and always understands the context in which he moves very well.

The new Turkish ambassador, based in Athens, is perhaps the best-informed working Turkish diplomat on the issues raised by Ankara.

He enjoys the recognition of his Greek colleagues and seems to enjoy the trust of the ruling AKP party himself. It is significant that in February 2020, just a few months after the signing of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, while himself at a conference of the Turkish lobbying organization Turkish Heritage Organization in Washington, he hinted that the Turkish-Libyan memorandum was not particularly important, although he did not agree that Turkey and Israel could conclude a similar EEZ settlement agreement, a view expressed by now retired Rear Admiral Chihat Yaichi. Although Yeni Safak, the AKP’s top journalistic organ, devoted an aggressive page to Mr. Erziges, he made a small correction via Twitter. In general, he is not known for his communicative qualities, although he has a personal Twitter account, which has recently been encouraged by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.