U.S. Applauds Greece-Turkey Cooperation Ahead of High-Level Talks in Athens: A spokesperson from the State Department talked to Hellas Journal

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Δεν περνάει από το μυαλό του Στέφανου Κασσελάκη ότι έχουν περάσει κι αλλοι πολύ καλύτεροι ρήτορες από τον ιδιο; Ο αχταρμάς του προέδρου του Σύριζα…

Ο Καγκελάριος της Γερμανίας συνέρχεται και σκέφτεται ομαδικά: “Να στείλουμε μήνυμα ενότητας” ενόψει της συνόδου κορυφής του ΝΑΤΟ, ζήτησε ο Όλαφ Σολτς

Ο υπουργός Άμυνας της Γερμανίας Μπόρις Πιστόριους επικρίνει την Ελλάδα και την Ισπανία, επειδή δεν δωρίζουν συστήματα αεράμυνας Patriot στην Ουκρανία

By PETROS KASFIKIS, Vima

The enduring rivalry between two NATO allies, Greece and Turkey, presents a persistent challenge for the American foreign policy establishment.

While recognizing that a resolution to their wide array of disputes is unlikely in the foreseeable future, the U.S. has actively sought to facilitate talks and deescalate tensions between the two
nations.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is anticipated to visit Athens on December 7th to participate in the Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council. The United States views this visit as a “positive step” that reinforces the ongoing efforts to improve relations between the two countries.

A spokesperson from the State Department talking to Hellas Journal welcomed the constructive engagement between Turkey and Greece in a written response. As he stated, “the United States supports bilateral discussions at all levels for Greece and Turkiye to work together on fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the region.”

In recent months, the two NATO allies have revived high-level talks with the goal of creating a positive climate that will enable them to address the thornier disputes at a later stage. Despite progress, the U.S. maintains realistic expectations for the meeting, understanding that Greek-Turkish relations have a long way to go.

• While a comprehensive settlement in the longstanding disputes is not expected, U.S. diplomats are eager to embrace any initiative that promises temporary stability in the turbulent Aegean waters.

Against the backdrop of conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, the U.S. is particularly keen on preventing destabilization in NATO's southeastern flank. “The United States continues to encourage calm in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean amongst our NATO Allies,” the State Department’s spokesperson stated.

But U.S. diplomacy is opting for a subtle style of engagement with the goal to facilitate an environment conducive to dialogue and diplomacy, without the immediate need for direct mediation.

This approach contrasts with previous period, when the U.S. emphasized the “importance of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean” during talks with Turkish counterparts, signaling a call to abandon belligerent behavior and return to diplomatic negotiations.

In a notable shift, Turkey has altered its course, refraining from military overflights above Greek islands, and President Erdogan has adopted a more reconciliatory tone in public remarks.

This change aligns with Ankara's request to purchase 40 F-16 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits for existing warplanes, a $20-billion deal supported by the Biden administration but facing resistance in Congress.

• Since October 2021, progress on the F-16 deal has stalled, mainly due to Turkey's delay in ratifying Sweden's NATO accession. Overlooked by many pundits is Congress's second demand related to Greece's security concerns about potential overflights using the new F-16s, deemed a violation of the Arms Control Export Act.

But lawmakers have managed to work on a deal and reach a compromise with the administration. Based on this tentative plan, Turkey is set to receive F-16s, and Greece will be equipped with more advanced F-35s, accompanied by a substantial defense aid package. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is expected to address the overflight issue in an upcoming letter to Congress.

While Washington remains optimistic that this plan will address Greek security concerns without alienating Turkey further, the latter has yet to ratify Sweden's accession. This delay could potentially jeopardize the F- 16 deal.

A diplomatic source noted the urgency, as lawmakers contemplate pressuring Turkey to cease support for Hamas, thus, further
complicating the delicate arms sale deal.

Petros Kasfikis is an accredited correspondent covering the White House, State Department, and Capitol Hill. For the latest political developments from Washington, D.C., you can subscribe to his YouTube channel

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