Turkey and Greece Continue Cooperation: Surprise Joint Candidacy at OSCE!

The renewed rapprochement between Turkey and Greece has led to significant developments, one of which is their coordinated effort in the upcoming OSCE election process. Greek media reported that the two countries have decided to field joint candidates for two of the OSCE's four institutional positions.

A Joint Candidate Decision That Marked OSCE

Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioğlu has been nominated for the position of OSCE Secretary General, while Greek diplomat Mania Telalian has been nominated for the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

The Greek media highlighted that this joint decision for pre-election campaigning and securing support from other member states was made at a high level by the governments of both countries. It was also noted that the last-minute submission of these candidacies surprised everyone at the OSCE headquarters.

The joint candidacy decision is seen as symbolic, signaling the warming relations between Turkey and Greece and their willingness to take cooperative steps. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly instructed its diplomatic missions to work with Turkish ambassadors to support Sinirlioğlu's candidacy.

Implications for Southern Cyprus

The timing of this decision, just before the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation which began on July 20, 1974, is expected to be a point of contention for Southern Cyprus. The Greek media pointed out that the decision may create discomfort in Southern Cyprus, adding another layer to the complex dynamics in the region.

In conclusion, the joint candidacy by Turkey and Greece for the OSCE positions is a significant development in their bilateral relations and demonstrates their commitment to cooperation on the international stage. However, the implications of this move, particularly for Southern Cyprus, remain to be seen.