Slow and steady

There is mounting concern among commentators and analysts over the future of Greek-Turkish talks aimed at gradually normalizing relations between the two countries. This is especially so in light of the meeting that has been announced between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on December 7 in Thessaloniki.

Mitsotakis' recent comments in a conversation with American historian Francis Fukuyama at the Economist Government Roundtable have heightened skepticism among certain circles in Athens. "It is not easy to find further room for improvement in Greek-Turkish relations with Erdogan being on the wrong side of history as he refuses to condemn Hamas, calling it a liberation movement," he said, pointing to recent developments in the region.

To begin with, it is politically absurd for the Greek prime minister to publicly...