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Fidan: Mitsotakis – Gerapetritis Want Solutions, But Dendias and Political Cost Stand in the Way

Published February 10, 2026, 09:50

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated in an interview with CNN Turk that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis desire to resolve issues in Greek-Turkish relations. However, Fidan criticized Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, accusing him of undermining the rapprochement effort and being burdened by political costs in Greece. He claimed that Ankara has proposed solutions, but their non-implementation is due to Dendias and his audience. Fidan mentioned that Greek leaders are in a dilemma between resolving problems and avoiding political consequences. His criticism comes shortly before the Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting within the framework of the Greece-Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council. Furthermore, Fidan avoided answering a question about the possibility of Turkey acquiring nuclear weapons, leaving all options open. This stance is interpreted as an indication of Turkey's caution and maintaining its options on this critical issue. Fidan's statement highlights the internal political difficulties Greece faces in attempting to improve relations with Turkey, as well as Turkey's continued effort to shift the responsibility for the lack of progress in negotiations to the Greek side.