ATHENS — "The only person in the world who did not see or understand anything from yesterday's European Council decision and the message sent to Turkey was Mr. Tsipras," government spokesperson Stelios Petsas said on Friday. Petsas was commenting on a Facebook post by the head of the main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance party, Alexis Tsipras, criticising the results of the European Council.

"It is a sad exception, which is highlighted when it is compared with the reactions internationally, including in Turkey itself and the international press," said Petsas. "We understand that he is seeking a lifeline among his internal party problems but political myopia and petty politics are not the answer, especially on such critical issues," Petsas added.