On Sunday, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots began the "Mediterranean Storm" maneuvers, at a time when France announced that it would consider imposing sanctions on Ankara in the European Council at the end of this month, in the context of continuing tension in the eastern Mediterranean between Ankara on the one hand, and Athens and its allies on the other hand. .

The Turkish Armed Forces and the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Security Command" will continue the Mediterranean storm maneuvers that are organized annually until the tenth of this month, with the aim of developing mutual training, cooperation and joint work between Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

The eastern Mediterranean region is witnessing military preparations waved by Turkey on the one hand, and Greece and France on the other hand, after Turkey began drilling for natural gas off Greek islands, and as a result, Athens accused Ankara of illegally drilling, while Ankara responds that it is exploring in areas that belong to it. To its continental shelf.

In a related context, Turkish Vice President Fuad Oktay said that diplomatic solutions are indispensable in the eastern Mediterranean, adding that the security priorities of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are matters that cannot be abandoned.

Oktay considered that the Turkish army "is the best representative of our steel will against those who try to crowd Turkey into the Gulf of Antalya and consider the Turkish Cypriots as if they were not," as he put it.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his country is ready for dialogue according to what he said are fair conditions for sharing rights in the eastern Mediterranean, and that it is ready for all the consequences and consequences.

For his part, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias discussed with the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg, developments in the eastern Mediterranean, and the need to reduce tension in the region.

The Greek foreign minister also held talks with US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker, after which he said that a number of indications show that the US side is following a pro-country approach.

Today, the Turkish Ministry of Defense published a video clip of the "Aruj Reis" ship, which continues its search and exploration work in the eastern Mediterranean.

European sanctions

On the other hand, the French Foreign Minister announced today that the European Council, to be held at the end of September, will be devoted primarily to the Turkish issue and the tension in the eastern Mediterranean, especially studying imposing sanctions on Ankara.

Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio that "during the European Council at the end of this month, the file on issue will be the Turkey file."

Le Drian added, "We prepared this Turkish file several days ago with the foreign ministers in Berlin to enumerate the response tools that we can use regarding Turkey."

The European Council - which includes the heads of state and government of the European Union - will hold a meeting on September 24-25.

The relations of several countries in the European Union - led by France - are experiencing severe tension with Turkey, especially on the Libyan issue and the issue of immigration, as well as gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.

Last month, there was a slight collision between two Turkish and Greek frigates.

Greece, France and Italy - NATO allies - have conducted military exercises in the same area of ​​the Mediterranean, and Turkey - which is also a member of NATO - has conducted naval exercises.