While briefing the accredited editors at the US State Department, a Turkish journalist said that Athens was equipping the islands in violation of international treaties and asked what the US position was on the issue.
The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be protected, the State Department noted on the issue of “militarization of the Greek islands” in the Aegean raised by Turkey.
While briefing the accredited editors at the US State Department, a Turkish journalist said that Athens was equipping the islands in violation of international treaties and asked what the US position was on the issue.
State Department spokesman Ned Price replied: “Our position is the same as you heard a few weeks ago: the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and protected.”
Mr Price reiterated the US government’s firm commitment to resolving disputes diplomatically and to avoid provocative rhetoric that could lead to a resurgence of tensions.
“We continue to encourage our NATO allies – Greece and Turkey in this case – to work together to maintain peace and security in the region and to resolve their differences diplomatically. We urge our allies to refrain from rhetoric that could further escalate tensions. Greece and Turkey, of course, are both strong partners. “They are key NATO allies of the United States and we will continue to urge them to de-escalate tensions.”
