Ankara hardens stance before Athens talks

As Greece and Turkey prepare for a pivotal round of talks on November 7, Ankara is pressing for broader discussions, including issues of sovereignty, territorial waters, airspace, the demilitarization of islands, and the control of certain geographical formations.

Ahead of the meeting in Athens between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, both sides remain at an impasse over the scope of the negotiations.

According to Turkish officials, these issues must be resolved for long-term peace and stability. The Turkish National Security Council recently underscored these positions, with further details appearing in leaks to Hurriyet and statements from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish officials have since reiterated these concerns in comments to state news agency Anadolu, stressing the need for a "comprehensive, permanent...