With a clear intervention, the State Department is positioning itself for the recent barrage of belligerent statements unleashed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan against Greece and also for the question of the sovereignty of the Greek islands in the Aegean.
Responding to a question from Greek media correspondents, the State Department spokesman noted that “at a time when Russia has again invaded a sovereign European state, statements that could increase tensions between NATO allies are not particularly helpful.”
Continuing, he reiterated the longstanding American position that the US should encourage its NATO allies to work together to maintain peace and security in the region and to resolve disputes through diplomacy.
On the issue of challenging the sovereignty of the Greek islands in the Aegean, the State Department spokesman was equally clear. As he emphasized, “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and protected. Greece’s sovereignty over these islands is not disputed. We call on all parties to refrain from rhetoric and actions that could further escalate tensions.”
