Former Greek prime minister Kostas Karamanlis has warned that Greece must reject any Turkish request for a permit or notification concerning the Greece-Cyprus electricity inter-connector, arguing that such a concession could undermine Greek sovereign rights in the Aegean.
Speaking at the War Museum in Athens on Sunday, 25 October, during an event organised by the Union of Retired Army Officers ahead of Greece’s 28 October OXI anniversary, Karamanlis said Greece could not accept a Turkish permit requirement, regardless of whether Ankara described it as a notification, notice or another form of approval.
“After that, we will no longer be able to do anything in the Aegean without Turkey’s permission. Not even the smallest infrastructure project between our islands,” he said.
Dispute Over the Greece–Cyprus Interconnector
Karamanlis’ remarks followed comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who said Ankara accepted the project but demanded notification of survey work.
Read more: Greece Challenges Turkish Survey Claims in Maritime Showdown
Known as the Great Sea Interconnector, the project aims to connect the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus through a subsea cable. The dispute centres on whether Turkey can require notification or approval for survey activities in the area.
Karamanlis also criticised the Libyan parliament’s ratification of the Turkish–Libyan maritime memorandum, describing it as a negative development for Greek national interests. He acknowledged that the move had limits but said it demonstrated what he described as Turkey’s effort to project influence and establish faits accomplis.
Athens has already challenged the memorandum at the United Nations.
Karamanlis Says Turkey Pursues a Broader Aegean Strategy
Karamanlis rejected the argument that Greece overreacts to Turkey. He also argued that the two countries could not resolve their disputes through mutual concessions.
He presented Turkey’s claims over the Aegean as parts of a broader strategy, citing Ankara’s position on Greece’s territorial waters, the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, the demilitarisation of Greek islands, maritime “grey zones” and Turkish marine parks.
Karamanlis said these issues formed part of what he described as Ankara’s “integrated planning” to overturn the status quo in the Aegean. He also claimed that Turkey sought to establish rights near the Greek islands and extend its influence towards the 25th meridian.
Criticism of Allies and European Partners
Karamanlis also criticised Greece’s allies and partners, accusing some of adopting what he called an “opportunistic neutral” position and maintaining equal distance between the parties to disputes.
He pointed to European arms deals with Turkey, partners’ positions on the Cyprus issue and pressure on Athens over several matters.
Karamanlis reaffirmed Greece’s place in the Western alliance and the European Union but argued that allies must demonstrate reciprocity through practical support and solidarity.
He rejected suggestions that Athens should avoid pressing its concerns over the Aegean, maritime zones and Cyprus to prevent irritating its partners, describing such an approach as the epitome of subservience.
“Nobody respects someone who does not defend their rights, their principles, their homeland,” he said.
Karamanlis Calls for Unity and Strong Defence
Turning to Europe’s wider challenges, Karamanlis warned of a deepening social and political crisis, pointing to growing inequality, a shrinking middle class and the erosion of the post-war social model.
Drawing lessons from Greece’s resistance to the Axis powers in 1940, he highlighted three principles: “Leadership – Preparation – Morale”.
He linked these principles to the need for national unity, credible deterrence and determination to defend Greece’s national integrity.
(Source: Kathimerini)