"WE DO NOT LOOK AT RISK" Fixed links between Greece and Russia

The systematic efforts to undermine the agreement on the new name of Macedonia, combined with enhanced cooperation between Ankara and Moscow, are the main reasons for the recent escalation of tensions between Greece and Russia.

Relations between Athens and Moscow have deteriorated recently after the Greek government's decision to expel two Russian diplomats on July 11 and to ban the arrival of two other diplomats.

The Greek government said it was providing evidence that they tried to undermine the recent agreement between Greece and Macedonia, which should pave the way for Skopje to join NATO.

Athens says that they have informed Russia for a long time.

The Kremlin said that the United States supported this move, which passed the Russian ambassador to Athens, Andrew Moslow, "disappointing."

The TASS news agency reported on July 19 that Russian Minister Sp

Sergei Lavrov cancels scheduled meeting in Athens in September due to tension between the two countries

– I think in the current situation, this visit will lose momentum, at least in the time frame we were talking about, in September says the Russian ambassador.

– They asked to visit Athens and we sent an appeal. Lavrov is welcome in Athens, a Greek source told EURACTIV

An ambassador from Greece to Moscow was invited Friday to the Russian Foreign Ministry for explanations on the expulsion of two diplomats, but no measure of back has been announced. The Macedonian Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev, recently declared that a Greek businessman with close ties to Moscow was paying to citizens of Skopje

. In addition, Defense Minister Radmila Sekenris said on July 13 that her country would not allow Moscow to compromise its name agreement with Greece.

– Systematic efforts have been made by Russian circles for D 'after diplomatic sources, EURACTIV has questioned the agreement on the name, adding that they have also tried to strengthen their influence in Greece.

The Role of Turkey

A new relationship of forces in the wider region is another factor contributing to the escalation of tension between Moscow and Athens.

The close ties of Turkey and Russia in the Syrian war, they were surprised by Athens. Turkey has always been Greece's main rival and only the two countries' accession to NATO has prevented their entry into the military conflict.

– Close cooperation in the Syrian war between Russia and Turkey has increased our suspicions. The next troubling question for Turkey's Athens plans to buy the Russian S-400 missile defense system as part of efforts to strengthen the region's defense capabilities.

Reuters reports that "in April, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's US concerns" in case they (Turkey) would remain in (missile system agreement). "

– This leads to greater caution in NATO, sources said.

But from the corner of Athens, Turkey also exerts influence in its northern neighbors

Ankara is not at all neutral about the recent name settlement At the same time, Athens hopes that the name agreement will eventually finish all Increased Turkish influence in the Balkans

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kocijas recently said in an interview with EUROACTIV.com that Greece would not be "in the world". environment when it solves its problems "(1965-19004). On Thursday, Kocijas said that opponents of the name agreement that the real danger is not in a fair deal with a small country like Macedonia, but in surrender to Turkey. neighbors and established military bases in the north, Kocijas asked rhetorically.

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