Germany, which opposed EU sanctions on Turkey, also criticizes Turkey... "Unnecessary provocations must be restrained"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As Turkey immediately violated the agreement with Greece not to conduct resource exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, Germany, which had opposed EU-level sanctions against Turkey, also criticized Turkey. The Greek government condemned Turkey's actions and called again for EU-level sanctions against Turkey, raising concerns that the Eastern Mediterranean dispute may escalate further.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 13th (local time), German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who is visiting Cyprus, said at a press conference, "Turkey must refrain from unnecessary provocations," adding, "It is now up to Turkey to create conditions and momentum that make it possible to hold exploration talks."

Earlier, on the 11th (local time), the Turkish navy resumed resource exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean waters between Greece and Cyprus. Immediately after signing an agreement to stop resource exploration to avoid conflict with Greece, Turkey violated it, drawing criticism from other countries. Even Germany, which opposed EU sanctions against Turkey and advocated negotiations through dialogue at the EU summit earlier this month, criticized Turkey, and the Greek government is expected to propose EU sanctions again.

The United States also strongly criticized Turkey's actions on the same day. Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said, "We urge Turkey to end its planned provocations and begin negotiations with Greece regarding exploration," adding, "Turkey's announcement of the resumption of exploration raises tensions in the region and deliberately makes it difficult to resume exploration talks between Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies."

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