Turkish Press | Ankara is annoyed because France “affects the minds of Greece”

Negotiations between Greece and Turkey are expected to begin in Berlin within ten days, according to the front page of the Turkish daily Milliyet, entitled “Our priority is diplomacy”. Ankara made it clear to the Germans that it did not want France to take part in the dialogue process.

According to diplomatic sources quoted by the Turkish newspaper, Ankara does not view the start of dialogue with Greece negatively, noting that negotiations are expected to begin until the EU Summit on September 24-25. The same sources report that Germany’s mediation efforts have increased recently, while in its contacts with France it asked not to increase the tension further. The goal of the Germans who continue their contacts with Ankara, say Milliet diplomatic sources, is firstly to hold meetings between Greece and Turkey at a low level and then, if necessary, at a high level.

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Ankara has reportedly replied that it does not view this process negatively, but said that “without challenges we will sit at the table for a solution.” According to Milliet, Ankara, which is annoyed that France is “affecting the minds of Greece”, said that “they should sit at the table without prejudices and without conditions.” Ankara has even clarified that France will not be part of the process and will not sit at the negotiating table. Milliet reports that if the German efforts succeed, then the negotiations will take place as before in Berlin.

Source: CNA