Greek-Turkish relations and policy continuity in Athens

Turkey has sent a drilling vessel inside Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and it is likely considering similar activities in areas close to the Dodecanese island of Kastellorizo - areas that Athens sees as a part of Greece's EEZ. Whereas the Republic of Cyprus is restricted to a diplomatic response, a Greek government would hardly be able to ignore such a move on Ankara's part. Although Greece would prefer to avoid an escalation, it has the luxury of knowing it can react in more ways than one way.

There is hope that Turkey's domestic problems or President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aides will stop the Turkish strongman from taking a decision that violates certain red lines in Greek-Turkish relations. After all, Erdogan already has too many open fronts while Turkey is expected to launch fresh military operations against the Kurds in Syria.

On the other hand,...

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