NATO chief Stoltenberg urges Ankara and Athens to solve rows over Aegean
"Diverse views and debate are an essential part of our democracies," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told Greek news agency ANA. But, he said, "we urge Greece and Türkiye to solve their differences in the Aegean in a spirit of trust and Allied solidarity".
- World
- AFP
- Published Date: 04:58 | 14 June 2022
- Modified Date: 05:03 | 14 June 2022
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday urged Greece and Türkiye to resolve their disagreements over the Aegean Sea, where the two are at loggerheads over islands and airspace.
"Diverse views and debate are an essential part of our democracies," the head of the transatlantic military alliance told Greek news agency ANA.
But, he said, "we urge Greece and Türkiye to solve their differences in the Aegean in a spirit of trust and Allied solidarity".
"That means restraint and moderation, and refraining from any actions or rhetoric that could escalate the situation".
Stoltenberg's comments came two weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared he was ending regular high-level meetings with Greek leaders intended to foster cooperation between the two countries.
The two uneasy NATO neighbours have for years feuded over maritime borders and energy exploration rights in disputed parts of the Aegean, which separates the two countries, and in the eastern Mediterranean.
Türkiye has accused Greece of stationing troops on islands in the Aegean in violation of peace treaties signed after the First and Second World Wars.
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