Erdogan attempts to scrap the EastMed pipeline against Greece, Cyprus and Israel with his announcement that he will speak to Israel’s President Herzog to propose a different pipeline route through Turkey.
According to Erdogan, there are speculations that the United States may withdraw fully from the EastMed pipeline project in the Eastern Mediterranean:
“The US would not have withdrawn from the pipeline if they thought it was profitable. Do we say that here? The Turks of “Northern Cyprus” enjoy some rights in this country, as you can see. Efforts are being made to protect these rights “
However, ahead of the expected arrival of Israeli President, Turkey’s President Erdogan said:
“We will discuss this issue (the flow of gas from Israel) with Mr Herzog,” implying a willingness to fix Turkey relations with Israel.
Furthermore, Erdogan added: “The gas we get from Israel is already being used in our country, but we can also help with the transition of that gas to Europe. When Mr Herzog visits Turkey, I hope these issues are on the agenda,”
The problem for Erdogan is that according to statements made by Israeli officials, Israel now counts Turkey among its regional adversaries, if not foes, which makes Erdogan’s dreams for the Eastern Mediterranean region unlikely to come true.
