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Speaking at the War Museum<\/a> in Athens on Sunday, 25 October, during an event organised by the Union of Retired Army Officers ahead of Greece\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter that, we will no longer be able to do anything in the Aegean without Turkey\u2019s permission. Not even the smallest infrastructure project between our islands,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Dispute Over the Greece\u2013Cyprus Interconnector<\/strong><\/p>\n Karamanlis\u2019 remarks followed comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who said Ankara accepted the project but demanded notification of survey work.<\/p>\n Read more: Greece Challenges Turkish Survey Claims in Maritime Showdown<\/p>\n Known as the Great Sea Interconnector<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Karamanlis also criticised the Libyan parliament\u2019s ratification of the Turkish\u2013Libyan 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\u2019s effort to project influence and establish faits accomplis.<\/p>\n Athens has already challenged the memorandum at the United Nations.<\/p>\n Karamanlis Says Turkey Pursues a Broader Aegean Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n Karamanlis rejected the argument that Greece overreacts to Turkey. He also argued that the two countries could not resolve their disputes through mutual concessions.<\/p>\n He presented Turkey\u2019s claims over the Aegean as parts of a broader strategy, citing Ankara\u2019s position on Greece\u2019s territorial waters, the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, the demilitarisation of Greek islands, maritime \u201cgrey zones\u201d and Turkish marine parks.<\/p>\n Karamanlis said these issues formed part of what he described as Ankara\u2019s \u201cintegrated planning\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Criticism of Allies and European Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n Karamanlis also criticised Greece\u2019s allies and partners, accusing some of adopting what he called an \u201copportunistic neutral\u201d position and maintaining equal distance between the parties to disputes.<\/p>\n He pointed to European arms deals with Turkey, partners\u2019 positions on the Cyprus issue and pressure on Athens over several matters.<\/p>\n Karamanlis reaffirmed Greece\u2019s place in the Western alliance and the European Union but argued that allies must demonstrate reciprocity through practical support and solidarity.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cNobody respects someone who does not defend their rights, their principles, their homeland,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Karamanlis Calls for Unity and Strong Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n Turning to Europe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Drawing lessons from Greece\u2019s resistance to the Axis powers in 1940, he highlighted three principles: \u201cLeadership \u2013 Preparation \u2013 Morale\u201d.<\/p>\n He linked these principles to the need for national unity, credible deterrence and determination to defend Greece\u2019s national integrity.<\/p>\n (Source: Kathimerini)<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n