NATO chief presses for calm in East Med, cease-fire in south Caucasus
During a visit to Ankara Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg voiced support for de-confliction efforts between Turkey and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean while calling for a cease-fire in the southern Caucasus.
ISTANBUL — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with top Turkish officials in Ankara Monday, seeking to calm regional tensions and support de-confliction efforts in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
On Thursday, Stoltenberg announced the establishment of a 24/7 hotline between Turkey and Greece to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents between the NATO allies following disputes over contested areas of the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkish research ships escorted by Turkish navy vessels had conducted gas exploration activities before pulling back last month.
“The mechanism was achieved through the constructive engagement of Turkey and Greece at NATO Headquarters,” Stoltenberg said at a press briefing in Ankara Monday. “I welcome this and pay tribute to both allies for their efforts. … The de-confliction mechanism can help to create the space for diplomatic efforts.”
Stoltenberg addressed reporters with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who said the pair had discussed developments in conflicts ranging from Libya to Syria and Afghanistan.
