The way is clearing for the signing of a co-contract with Albania, so that Athens and Tirana can resolve their differences over the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
The meeting between Nikos Dendias and his counterpart, Olta Tsaka, and the references by the two foreign ministries to "political discussion" indicate that conditions are now ripe to start contacts for the drafting of the agreement.
Athens' main objective, apart from closing yet another front, is to consolidate its role as a stability factor that resolves its disputes on the basis of international law.
This development, if it goes ahead, will put Turkey in an even more difficult position, as it persists in its long-standing policy of revisionism and questioning both international treaties and its own geography.
On the contrary, Athens, having resolved its disputes with its neighbours, either by direct negotiation or by referral to The Hague, but always on the basis of international law, will further strengthen its image in the international community.
At the leaders' level
The meeting of the foreign ministers of Greece and Albania in Athens was of a preparatory nature and reportedly took place in a good atmosphere with Olta Tsaka appearing particularly positive on the issue of the compromise. Tirana, moreover, is aware that Albania's European course passes through the settlement of the specific dispute.
The next step is expected to be taken in the Albanian capital, which Kyriakos Mitsotakis will visit next Tuesday for the EU-Western Balkans summit.
The issue of the deal will reportedly be on the agenda of the Greek prime minister's meeting with Edi Rama, who has previously come out in favour of The Hague.
Background
The removal of Ilir Mehta from the Albanian presidency and the assumption of office by Bairam Begay seems to have played a key role in overcoming the obstacles and reviving the discussion between the two sides. Mehta, who has never hidden his pro-Turkish feelings, after all, in the past he had approved a protocol of military cooperation with Ankara, had expressed his strong disagreement with the referral of the demarcation to The Hague.
In one of his last interviews as president, in the Turkish newspaper Miliet, he claimed that "we want to reach a solution, not only in accordance with international law but also with the constitutions and decisions taken by the countries".
Athens intends to take advantage of the window of opportunity opened for the delimitation of the EEZ, so that Albania becomes the third country, after Italy and Egypt, with which Greece finally closes the open "accounts".
Source: cnn.gr
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