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Turkish media have stepped up their rhetoric over plans for an undersea electricity cable linking Greece, Cyprus and Israel, following statements from Türkiye’s Defence Ministry about activities in maritime areas claimed by Ankara.
Several pro-government Turkish newspapers portrayed the cooperation between the three countries in strongly hostile terms. Star described Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and Israel as a “triple alliance of evil” while reporting a warning from the Defence Ministry that no activity would be permitted without Turkish approval.
Akşam carried a similar message, saying that Ankara would not allow unauthorised activity. Posta also reported the Defence Ministry's warning in connection with Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and Israel.
The Turkish news site T24 referred to the Defence Ministry's response to what it described as a joint project involving Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and Israel.
Ankara's position
The Turkish Defence Ministry said activities including the laying of undersea cables and pipelines, as well as scientific research, in maritime areas that Türkiye considers part of its continental shelf must be coordinated with Turkish authorities.
The ministry said activities carried out without permission and which disregard what it considers Türkiye's rights and interests would not be accepted. It also said Turkish authorities were monitoring developments and taking what it described as necessary measures.
Ankara based its position on the continental shelf boundaries it has submitted to the United Nations, as well as the Turkish-Libyan memorandum.
Media rhetoric goes further
The phrase “alliance of evil” did not come from the Turkish Defence Ministry. It was used by pro-government media outlets when describing the cooperation between Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and Israel over the proposed electricity cable.
The dispute forms part of longstanding disagreements between Türkiye, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus over maritime jurisdiction and rights in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Source: CNA
