New power in the Balkans: Türkiye!

The Greek press, analysing behind the scenes of Türkiye's sending troops to Kosovo, made remarkable statements about the policies in the Balkans in the new period.

The tension between Serbia and Kosovo erupted in mid-May.

In the north of Kosovo, Serbs did not allow Albanian mayors elected in Serb-dominated municipalities to enter. The police intervened with tear gas against the protesters and the incidents escalated in a short time. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic ordered the army to be on alert after tensions rose in Kosovo.

After the army could not find a solution to the problems, tension increased in the region. In the incident where even NATO soldiers intervened, demonstrators injured 25 professional soldiers. Five people were arrested in connection with the incident. Upon NATO's request to Turkey, the commando battalion of the 65th Mechanised Infantry Brigade Command in Lüleburgaz was sent to the region.

GREEK PRESS WROTE

Greek media analysed Türkiye's presence in the Balkans. InGR stated that 'Erdogan is seeking to increase Turkey's influence in the Balkans, which were part of the Ottoman Empire'.

'TÜRKİYE IS LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY'

The newspaper argued that the Balkans are closely tied to Europe and the USA and that Türkiye is trying to play a mediating role here. InGR also touched upon the issue of the commando brigade coming from Türkiye despite all the support of the West and asked the question 'Could Türkiye be a new alternative?

Reminding that Turkish commandos have started patrolling in the north of the country, the newspaper reported that Turkey is expected to soon take over the 'NATO command' of Kosovo under US supervision.

BALANCE POLICY

Although Türkiye strongly supported Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, Erdoğan favours a constructive and balanced approach that also implies respect for Serbian interests in the region.

SALES OF ARMS

InGR noted that military relations with Serbia are likely to increase under Erdogan's new term, and that sales of Bayraktar drones to Belgrade are likely to take place in the coming days.

However, the Kosovo Security Force has already taken delivery of five Turkish-made drones, suggesting that Turkey intends to benefit by selling arms to both sides.

An increased Turkish military presence in Kosovo will undoubtedly strengthen Ankara's position in the region, especially at a time when the West is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine.

US FACTOR

On the other hand, the newspaper drew attention to the US presence in the region against these steps of Turkey. Reminding that Camp Bondsteel, the largest base built outside the US borders after the Vietnam war, is in Kosovo, the newspaper said that Türkiye is more likely to proceed in coordination with Washington.

Milliyet