A post on social media by an adviser to EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell triggered an outrage on Greek social media. Director of the Italian Institute for International Relations Natalie Tocci not only equated Greece with Turkey’s provocations and aggressiveness; she called the dispute in the East Mediterranean as display of “macho policies” and wrote that she longs for the so-called “earthquake diplomacy” of 1999 after two earthquakes in Turkey and Greece cost the lives of thousands of people.
The East-Med situation isn't new. It’s an old conflict about sovereignty & security between Greece, Turkey & Cyprus. It can be resolved only if G & T set aside macho politics & rediscover earthquake diplomacy spirit of 99
My @ConvSix w/ @michaeltanchum https://t.co/bqh8tOaGxi— Nathalie Tocci (@NathalieTocci) September 1, 2020
Is Natalie Tocci as “naive” and “ignorant of history” as she seems to be, a feminist girlie for whom geopolitics and aggressive policies is an issue of “lifestyle with macho features”?
According to her CV, … hardly. The graduate of London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has written her thesis about Turkey and her PhD on the Cyprus conflict.
On Thursday, the European Union distanced itself from Tocci saying that she expresses her personal views.
Borrell’s spokesman Peter Stano said that Tocci’s statements “do not reflect the views and positions of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs.”
Nathalie Tocci is a Honorary Professor at the German University of Tubingen and has been Special Adviser to EU’s High Representative since Federica Mogherini was in charged.
Nevertheless, Greek users took Tocci’s statements under the magnifying glass and responded to her, to every dot and coma.
When one country invades to 2 other countries, then this country adopts a "macho" policy and the 2 other countries defend themselves. Seems you know nothing not only about history but also regarding the current situation. Really, are you paid to write nonsense?
— Alexandros Morellas (@A_Morellas) September 2, 2020
I am appalled by your sheer ignorance of Int’l Treaties & Laws. And on top of your complete lack of critical analysis on the real issues at stake. “Macho” politics? Do you *REALLY* understand the case here? Or do you think it’s just a matter for another generic “lifestyle” tweet?
— Yannis Larios (@larios) September 2, 2020
are you an equal opportunity offender? Gr/CY are EU countries, respecting international law, where on earth did you see "macho politics" on their actions. In case you missed it Erdogan was not the dictator of Turkey in '99, hope it helps you feel comfier sitting on the fence.
— Maurice Politis (@mgpolitis) September 2, 2020
PS It wasn’t Tocci who advised Borrell to defend Turkey and pass Ankara’s positions over to German Defense Minister last month, was she?
*thumbnail picture: Oruc Reis sails for hydrocarbon survey in Greek continental shelf accompanied by Turkish frigates beginning of August. This action is ongoing for another 90 days.
