Greece calls on EU allies to impose arms embargo on Turkey
Greece has called on several fellow European Union (EU) members to impose an arms embargo on Turkey, amid a growing dispute between the two neighbors over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
In letters to his German, Spanish, and Italian counterparts on Tuesday, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias pointed to "recent provocative actions" by Turkey and called for an end to weapons sales to Ankara.
In his letter to German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Dendias called on Berlin to block the exports of submarines, frigates, and aircraft to Turkey.
The top Greek diplomat also wrote a separate letter to the European Commission and urged the bloc to suspend its customs agreement with Turkey.
Last Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at the EU's stance in the dispute over energy exploration and territorial rights in the eastern Mediterranean, saying the bloc had become “captive” to Greece.
Turkey has been involved in a dispute with Greece and Cyprus over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean Sea for months.
Tensions escalated in August as Turkey dispatched a seismic research vessel and warships escorting it to prospect for energy resources in an area in the sea that is disputed with Greece, infuriating Athens.
The ship was withdrawn temporarily, but was sent back last week, reigniting the tensions.
The EU has previously threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey over its “unilateral actions and provocations” in the Mediterranean. Greece and Cyprus also pushed for a tougher response to Turkey's activities at an EU summit on Friday.
The redeployment of the Turkish vessel has dashed hopes raised over an agreement recently struck between Turkey and Greece to begin exploratory talks, following diplomatic efforts led by Germany to ease tensions.
Russia launches 'ICBM' for first time against Ukraine: Kiev
Borrell urges sanctions on Israel for war crimes
Dutch police attack pro-Palestine protesters in Amsterdam, arrest activists
Nov. 21: ‘Axis of Resistance’ operations against Israeli occupation
VIDEO | Israeli forces storm West Bank’s Jenin again, target civilians
Iran activates advanced centrifuges after IAEA's 'unjust' resolution
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Iran FM: Response to Israeli aggression 'inevitable'
VIDEO | Iran eases the rules for exporting hand-woven carpets
VIDEO | Intl. Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: A stark reminder of Gaza women
Australia denies ex-Israeli minister Shaked visa
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
