Borders: the head of the European diplomacy reaffirms his support for Greece

Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Athens on June 24, 2020. REUTERS / Alkis Konstantinidis

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Los of a visit to the land border between Greece and Turkey, Wednesday June 24, the head of the European diplomacy Josep Borrell assured that the European Union was determined to protect its external borders as well as to support the sovereignty of Greece. For their part, the Greeks say in particular that they fear a new migratory wave encouraged by Ankara.

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With our correspondent in Athens, Joël Bronner

The visit to Greece of Josep Borrell, European High Representative for Foreign Affairs, was especially the occasion to evoke the tensions between Athens and Ankara. "  I think it is (...) in the interest of the European Union, Turkey and Greece to try (...) to improve current relations  ", said the EU representative in particular .

For his part, the Greek foreign minister argued that Turkey "  persists in undermining security and stability, as well as peace, in the eastern Mediterranean.  "

The migration issue at the heart of tensions

Two files particularly poison relations between the two neighboring countries, both members of NATO. The question, first, of asylum seekers. In late February, encouraged by Ankara's announcement of the opening of its borders, tens of thousands of refugees had in particular flocked to Greece, causing several days of scuffles at the border.

The subject, then, of Mediterranean hydrocarbons, which whet the appetite of Ankara. In late 2019, the signing of a controversial border agreement with Libya strengthened Turkish claims over Greek and Cypriot maritime areas. Cyprus, where Josep Borrell is to spend two days.

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  • Greece
  • Turkey
  • European Union
  • Diplomacy

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