Athens Rejects US 'Bridge' Role in Talks with Türkiye
Athens Responds to US Ambassador's Comments
Athens has drawn a clear red line on the structure of future dialogue with Ankara, following a proposal by the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, that Washington could act as a diplomatic "bridge" between the two NATO allies.
The Greek government, through its Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lana Zochiou, categorically rejected any possibility of third-party involvement, stressing that the issues between Greece and Türkiye are fundamentally bilateral.
Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lana Zochiou stated: “Issues with Türkiye are managed strictly on a bilateral basis and always through international law. We have not received any mediation proposal and are not considering any third-party initiative.”
Ms. Zochiou acknowledged the international interest in regional stability but stressed that Athens maintains a "firm and consistent line" focusing on steady, predictable communication as the most effective method to prevent tensions and crises.
The US 'Bridge' Proposal
The Greek rejection comes days after U.S. Ambassador Barrack, a key figure in the current administration, spoke openly about Washington's desire to facilitate rapprochement between the two nations.
In an interview, Ambassador Barrack suggested the White House aimed to be the "mortar" in bringing the "two bricks" of Greece and Türkiye together.
"A new regional ordinance of dealing with each other has to happen. Hopefully the U.S. can be a bridge to having this happen," Barrack commented.
His remarks, which also touched on the need to include the Cyprus issue in regional dialogue, were widely interpreted as a signal that the US intended to play a more hands-on, mediatory role in the Eastern Mediterranean's geopolitical hotspots.
Commitment to Bilateralism and International Law
Greece's swift dismissal underscores its long-held strategic position: that the core dispute—the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)—is a matter of international law (specifically the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS) and is therefore an issue for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, not political mediation.
Athens views third-party "bridging" efforts as potentially muddying the waters and allowing Türkiye to bypass a full commitment to international legal frameworks. By insisting on a bilateral approach grounded in law, Greece aims to keep the focus narrowly on the only issue it considers ripe for resolution: the maritime zones.
The Current State of Dialogue
Despite the diplomatic refusal of mediation, working-level talks are ongoing. Technical talks, including those on a "positive agenda" of less contentious issues like trade and tourism, and broader political consultations, remain active.
However, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that no meeting is currently scheduled between Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, indicating a pause in high-level political dialogue as Athens reiterates its non-negotiable principle: no third-party intervention.