Top German diplomat criticizes Turkey's drilling plans in Mediterranean
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas repeated the concerns of other European states regarding Turkey's gas drilling plans in what Greece and Cyprus consider their waters.
Germany’s foreign Minister slammed Turkey’s gas exploration plans in the eastern Mediterranean Sea today, reiterating what other European states have said as the dispute continues.
Speaking in Athens, Heiko Maas said that relations between Europe and Turkey can only improve if Turkey ceases the drilling.
“Regarding Turkey’s drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, we have a very clear position — international law must be respected so progress in EU-Turkey relations is only possible if Ankara stops provocations in the eastern Mediterranean,” said Maas, according to Reuters.
Turkey plans to drill for gas in the eastern Mediterranean, per an agreement with Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord. Greece and Cyprus consider the area their territorial waters.
