U.S. President Donald Trump’s positive remarks regarding Turkey’s procurement of F-35 fighter jets at the NATO Summit in Ankara caused unease in Athens.
Speaking at a panel organized by The Economist magazine, former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said, 'Recent developments raise serious concerns both for European security and our national security.'
Tsipras criticized the Kyriakos Mitsotakis government for abandoning multilateral foreign policy and pursuing a 'blank check' policy. Tsipras claimed that during the Joe Biden era, when Mitsotakis was in opposition, he went so far as to label him a 'Trumpist' through 'extreme actions.'
The former prime minister said, 'In the current situation, Turkey is being given F-35s, F-16s, Eurofighters and American aircraft engines; meanwhile, we can't even lay a cable to Shepherds Island. Make no mistake, that is exactly the situation. Our national security is under threat.'
Recalling that during his own tenure as prime minister, he made demands from the U.S. in exchange for a five-year agreement on the use of the Souda military base, Tsipras accused Mitsotakis of granting indefinite use rights to six different bases, including Alexandroupolis.
Describing Trump's positive statements on Turkey's F-35 procurement as a 'national defeat,' Tsipras said Turkey had achieved many successes, such as signing an agreement with Libya on maritime jurisdiction areas, in addition to procuring F-16s, F-35s and Eurofighters.
Turkey's successes reverberated widely in the Greek press
Following the first day of the NATO Summit, the Greek press gave extensive coverage to Trump's laudatory remarks about Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and considered his statements on F-35s and CAATSA sanctions as significant gains for Turkey.
Kathimerini newspaper, in its report titled 'Athens is worried about the developments,' reported that Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, during a meeting with members of the U.S. Congress in Athens, said Turkey's F-35 procurement could have serious consequences for stability and security in the region.
The same newspaper wrote that Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis also expressed unease over Turkey's F-35 acquisition during his meeting with U.S. Congress members in Athens on July 10.
Kathimerini suggested that until now Greece had treated the F-35 issue as a bilateral matter between Turkey and the United States and maintained a balanced stance, and commented: 'The new reality requires Greece to communicate its position through all channels and convey the entirety of Greek views to Washington. However, it is notable that the Greek side lacks the ability to exert pressure on Washington.'
Ta Nea newspaper, in its Saturday edition, citing an experienced diplomat who wished to remain anonymous, reported that Trump's praise for Erdoğan plays a key role in the improvement of relations between the two countries.
The report also included the assessment: 'For Athens, the problems start right here. It sees the two allies drawing closer, Turkey entering the European security architecture, and seeking to play a role in the Middle East. Unlike the Europeans, who often disappoint Trump, Turkey appears ready to send troops wherever asked.'
