Germany appeals for calm as Turkish, Greek navies run drills in EastMed
The Turkish and Greek navies conducted drills in the eastern Mediterranean this week as German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass seeks to bring both nations back to the negotiation table.
ISTANBUL — A number of naval drills are underway in the eastern Mediterranean as Turkish and Greek leaders vowed to defend their overlapping territorial claims in the region Wednesday.
Speaking at an event commemorating the anniversary of the 1071 Seljuk victory over Byzantine armies, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday the nation would protect its claims in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas without “any concessions.”
“We will not compromise over what belongs to us. … We are determined to do whatever is necessary,” Erdogan said, adding that Greeks were “unworthy” of the Byzantine heritage and “today commit injustices and piratical moves counting on the support of Europeans, which shows that they have failed to learn from history.”
Tensions remain high between Ankara and Athens following Tuesday's visits to both capitals by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who aimed to bring leaders from both sides back to the negotiation table over ongoing maritime disputes.
