Major Issues of Conflict between Turkey and Greece

International Relations

Due to Geographical characteristics of Aegean Sea both countries want more sovereign control over Aegean Sea. Issue of Aegean Sea is also interrelated to Cyprus problem. Greece uses issue of Aegean Sea against Turkey for concession over Cyprus. Turkey through Cyprus issue wants more concession on Aegean Sea issue. Aegean Sea issue is related to both countries’ national interest and security. Turkey and Greece’ policy towards their Greek Orthodox and Muslim Turks minority has gone through many phases. After Turkish military invasion of Cyprus in 1974 Greece started discriminatory policy towards Muslim Turks of Western Thrace in socio-economic area. However, since 1990s Greece has recognized rights of Muslim Turks of Western Thrace and through reconciliation process has solved some issue of Muslim Turks minority like issue of language and issue of religious freedom. This study discusses causes of conflict between Turkey and Greece. Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 was turning point for both countries’ relations. External powers involvement in Cyprus has complicated issue. Greece and Turkey are involved on the basis of protection of interest and security of their related ethnic communities. However, Britain is involved in Cyprus issue by treaty of agreement, treaty of alliance and treaty of establishment. Due to external powers’ involvement Cyprus issue has become international problem. United Nations’ failure in settlement of Cyprus issue highlights its complexity. Until the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 the two neighbours faced the common enemy Soviet Union. They had maintained a regional balance. However, collapse of communism has ended balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean region. In the absence of balance of power in the eastern Mediterranean region conflict has escalated on knotty issues between both countries in the post cold war. Imia/Kardak crisis and S-300 missile crisis highlight continuation of disagreement on the core issues during post cold war. This study aims to analyse and examine the major issues of conflict between Turkey and Greece.

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