(B2) The Greek and Cypriot navies with the reinforcement of Italy and France started this Wednesday (August 26) a naval air exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean
(credit: Greek General Staff)
European solidarity with Turkey...
In the middle of an informal meeting of Defense Ministers, like EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, in Berlin, it is a way for the European countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, the most concerned (Greece, Cyprus, France, Italy) , to affirm their full solidarity in the face of Turkish claims in the area. Called 'Eunomia', the exercise will indeed take place throughout the meeting from Wednesday to Friday (26 - 28 August).
... in the middle of a European ministerial meeting
This initiative " aims to raise awareness of the situation confirms Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos. It is " demonstrate the commitment of the four European Mediterranean countries to the rule of law within the framework of the policy of de-escalation of tensions ". Athens, Nicosia, Paris and Rome are also responding to Turkey's announcement of a similar exercise, organized " with other Allies according to Ankara.
The Mediterranean: a common good, not a playground for tensions
« The eastern Mediterranean is turning into a space of tension. Respect for international law must be the rule and not the exception “, adds the French Minister of the Armed Forces. " Our message is simple: priority to dialogue, cooperation and diplomacy so that the Eastern Mediterranean is an area of stability and respect for international law. It should not be a playground for the ambitions of some, it is a common good “, details Florence Parly in a series of tweets.
Frigates, submarines and planes
On the Greek side, frigates, submarines and special forces participate, specifies the Greek staff. The frigate Spetses (F-453), well known for having recently taken part in the European operation EUNAVFOR Med Irini, and the frigate Lίmnos III (F-451) are in the game according to our information. On the French side are engaged a frigate and a helicopter and three Rafale planes.
The inauguration of the Quad initiative
The quartet does not intend to stop there. Cyprus, Greece, France and Italy have agreed to enter into a joint presence in the Eastern Mediterranean under the Quartet Cooperation Initiative (QUAD) », says N. Panagiotopoulos. So this is just the activity inaugural of a more comprehensive initiative. Objective : " strengthen the collective naval and air military presence in the region and push Turkey to dialogue.
Faced with Turkish inclinations, the Greeks are multiplying the signals of solidarity. Earlier this week, Monday (August 24), another naval air exercise took place, this time with the United States, in the maritime area south of Crete. Participating in it, on the Greek side, was the frigate Aegean ou Aegean (F-460), a Type 214 submarine and six F-16 aircraft, while on the American side, the destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (81), and the helicopters on board the two ships, specifies the Greek staff.
The USS Winston Churchill and the frigate Aegean (credit: US 6th fleet)
Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).
