Alp Kırıkkanat EN

Expectations of Greece From Peace Spring Operation

23-10-2019

Turkey initiated Peace Spring Operation in the east of Euphrates River in Syria on 09 October 2019. Authorities stated that the operation is being conducted with respect to integrity of Syrian territories in the frame of our country’s rights arising from international law, several related decisions of UN Security Council and right of self-defense contained in article 51 of UN Agreement. It is particularly emphasized that targets of the operation are only terrorists as well as hideouts, shelters, housings, emplacements, weapons, vehicles and equipment belonging to terrorists.

Although there are some aspects which I do not agree in Syrian policies and that I have been mentioning since the beginning and even before the operation, now I am hoping that the area will be cleared off the terrorists who are imposing a threat for our country, and wishing success and return of our soldiers back home without any loss. This operation faced negative and unjust reactions of many countered on the international platform. In particular, inconsistent and sometimes threatening attitude of the USA before the operation encouraged some countries that are in competition with us on the international platform. Especially Greece, with their traditional politic attitudes, began to take advantage of this issue. This brings up the question of whether any circumstances of concern will occur in Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

I believe that there will not be a threat arising from Greece only in the context of recent developments in Aegean and East Mediterranean anymore. Many western countries began to demonstrate a direct interest in and take sides for the problems specific to those regions due to their energy-oriented policies. However, since Greece is our neighbor and attempting to take every opportunity against us and allowing others to advantage of its own situation; I believe it would be more appropriate to primarily consider this country’s attitude. Thus, let’s go back to the date right before 09 October, starting date of the operation.

At the beginning of October, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Greece has been interesting in many aspects. The parties signed a protocol anticipating updating of the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement-MDCA signed between two countries in 1990. In this context, it was stated that military cooperation between the two countries would be increasingly continued, mutual investments would be made, and strategic cooperation would be strengthened. Strategic dialogue process initiated in September of the last year seems to have resulted in updating of a defense cooperation agreement that was signed 20 years ago. If we look at it from military aspect taking open resources into account, we can name the concrete outcomes within the last 1 year as; continuation of the harbor work and the radar facility construction at Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli), transfer of decommissioned Kiowa helicopters and flights of unarmed MQ-9 American UAVs based in Larissa for reconnaissance purposes. Additionally, there is no confirmed information from reliable sources in respect to the US activities for establishing military bases, building facilities or troop deployment particularly in the Eastern Aegean Islands.

On October 04, Greek HS Elli (F-450) frigate was grounded near Semadirek Island and Parmenion Exercise was cancelled; on October 06, Secretary of Defense Mike Pompeo and Nikos Dendias posing in front of an oil paint of Averof battleship in Athens with an attempt of sending implied messages against Turkey stood out as an intriguing irony. They also discussed Turkey’s attitude towards Syria in those meetings. An atmosphere of satisfaction arose on Greek side at the end of those negotiations. However, the US declaration that an operation to be run by our country in northern Syria would not be supported not would be stopped, followed by Peace Spring Operation took a start on October 09 resulted in loss of spirit and complete disappointment in Greece.

Another disappointment of the Greek was declaration on Italian ENI company. ENI stated that drilling operations around Cyprus island would be ceased in case battleships enter into the drilling area. In the mean time, Turkish drilling ships continued their operations.

While the Peace Spring Operation by our country in the east of Euphrates river took start on October 09 is ongoing, there are no foreseen circumstances that may physically put pressure on us in Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean regions, yet we need to be well prepared against a scenario or a provocation that may be created in the region at any time in the future. Currently, although Greece is drawing some made-up exclusive economic zone maps that are unacceptable for our country and publish them on social media, they are having hard times in their attempts of earning recognition in the game of Eastern Mediterranean. Their military force is inadequate for such recognition. They continue seeking support from the USA and certain Western countries. Although a letter of intent was signed between French and Greek Ministries of Defense in Paris in early October for inclusion of 2 each multi-purpose 4000 tons Belharra class ship from France to Greek naval forces, Greek Minister has personally admitted that a significant time is required in order to reach an agreement from technical perspective.

In conclusion, issues such as need of Greek’s old naval forces for a significant modernization and refurbishment at peak levels, their increasing dependency on the USA for defense in Aegean Sea, USA’s attitude that does not satisfy their expectations and the non-concluded defense cooperation with GCA (Greek Cypriot Administration) as well as Turkey’s Peace Spring Operation led to tension on Greek side. They know that Eastern Mediterranean and Syria are two ends of the seesaw.

After Peace Spring Operation took start, it is clearly apparent that Greece is trying to gain an advantage for its own over the debates on legitimacy of the operation on international platform. It is understood that Greece had some expectations against us based on the impact and possible outcomes of the operation in western countries. While the operation continues on one hand, it should be closely monitored how those expectations progress. Greece is expecting many sanctions to be imposed by certain western countries, particularly by USA on Turkey. Countries like Germany, France, Norway and Finland declared their cease of weapons sale to Turkey due to the operation. However, there is no weapons purchase from majority of other European countries other than France and Germany. The UK wants an immediate cease of the operation. Of course, their greatest hope is the set of potential sanctions to be imposed by the USA.

On the other hand, Greece proposes that in case Turkey targets DAESH terrorists, those terrorists may disguise themselves among refugees and leak into Greece and Europe, and attempting to use the allegation as a counter-argument. In my personal opinion, this matter seems to become one of the most significant materials in respect to asparagus news on Turkey. I believe that necessary measures will be taken both in terms of ensuring our country’s safety and preventing asparagus news on the topic.

However, while Greece awaits for outcomes in its own favor, there is also an increasing concern due to unreliable attitude of the US that is eager to deploy in certain areas around Aegean region. I think that, with the ongoing process of the USA’s deployment at Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli) in Northern Aegean region, and existing deployments in Crete in Southern Aegean region and Greece mainland, issue of how to establish a full control over these region from political and military aspects in return to the USA’s unforeseen political approach is an upcoming problem in the near future. Indeed, there have been some protest in that respect in Greece during Pompeo’s visit.

In conclusion, I believe that although suspicions towards the USA increase, a part of public opinion in Greece having difficulty in interpreting global policies of the USA. Perception and causing perception of alliance as a fanatic and endless support damages Greece indeed. It is obvious that years of alliance has no significance in the eyes of Pentagon supporter eagle community in the USA. If that was right; they would not provide thousands of trucks full of weapons, ammunition and materials to PKK/YPG terrorist groups endangering safety of its ally Turkey. Taking advantage of the operation and the attitude of the West against the operation, and having expectations in that respect may not always have effect. In the end, Greece’s incapacity of political vision is making it difficult and challenging for Greece to achieve results. For example, although France seems to be supporting them, it is on the verge of establishing a military base in Southern Cyprus, endangering the traditional Greek dependency in GCA. Such invalid-attitude of Greece brings along the traps of its so-called allies which may create new problematic areas in the future. Entire control of the gas forums established with other countries are in the hands of the USA and come western countries. Greece’s measureless foreign policy attempts against its neighbor having the heart to solve problems through mutual and just negotiations will not bring any outcome apart from a cold shower from the peace spring.

References:

https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/baris-pinari-harekati/milli-savunma-bakanligi-sadece-teroristler-hedef-aliniyor/1607541 (10 October 2019)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/06/mike-pompeo-greece-revised-defense-deal

(10 October 2019)

https://www.dw.com/tr/abdden-t%C3%BCrkiyeye-do%C4%9Fu-akdeniz-ele%C5%9Ftirisi/a-50709585

(10 October 2019)

https://www.cnnturk.com/dunya/yunanistan-ve-abd-imzalari-atti-pompeoya-turkiye-sorusu

(10 October 2019)

https://www.defenceturk.net/yunan-donanmasi-tatbikatta-karaya-oturdu (10 October 2019)

https://www.haberler.com/italyan-eni-ceo-su-savas-gemisi-gelirse-kuyu-12515971-haberi/

(10 October 2019)

https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2019/10/05/turkiyeden-7bolge-resti (10 October 2019)