The Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has called for a ban on the sale of German arms to Turkey, especially submarines.
Dendias discussed the precarious situation in the eastern Mediterranean with the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the Speaker of the Bundestag.
Germany is preparing to deliver Type 214 submarines which are currently under construction. The Greek FM said that the submarines threaten to upset the balance of power in the region. Dendias pointed out Turkey’s provocative nature on different fronts, from Libya, Syria, to Iraq.
“The great Turkish danger is transferring fighters from Syria, and Libya to the Caucasus,” Dendias said, adding that Turkey is an “offensive country.”
On Sunday, Turkey again extended its gas exploration ship in the disputed region, despite protests from Athens, which denounced the “illegal activity.” Greece accuses Turkey of violating international maritime law by drilling in its waters, especially around the island of Kastellorizo. Athens is calling for European sanctions to be imposed on Ankara.
Last week, Dendias said that Turkey’s actions in Syria and Libya were undermining the global fight against terrorism. This is by facilitating the dispersion of jihadi fighters to other regions.
“I expressed my concerns about the negative role that Turkey is playing in Syria and Libya. This undermines the gains made in the fight against the Islamic State’s terrorist group, as well as the fact that Turkey has become a travel agent for jihadists who are going to different fronts,” Dendias said.