The Greek and Turkish governments are ready to discuss the rising tensions in the Mediterranean. In recent weeks, Turkey has started exploratory oil drilling there, southeast of Crete and Rhodes, much to the chagrin of Greece. Both countries are now willing to hold reconciliation talks under the leadership of NATO.
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reports that both countries will now hold “technical talks” to “reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
However, an anonymous Greek source is tempering expectations towards the AP news agency. That source states that Turkey must first withdraw the military ships from the region before there can be a de-escalation of the situation.
The tensions raised fears about a possible military conflict between two alliance countries. The EU even considered sanctions to impose on Turkey.
The conflict is about disputed territorial areas. Turkey believes it has the right to search for oil in the area. Turkey also plans to hold military exercises south of Crete. Greece then decided to hold military exercises in the area.
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