Scholz called on Turkey to respect Greek sovereignty

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday called on Turkey to stop threatening Greece in the dispute over islands in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, calling on both sides to resolve their differences through international law.

Scholz said this at a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, Politico reported.

"It should not be that NATO partners question each other's sovereignty," Scholz said, referring to the fact that both Greece and Turkey are members of the military bloc.

"All issues must be resolved on the basis of international law," the chancellor said.

Turkey questioned Greece's sovereignty over numerous Greek islands in the eastern Mediterranean after Athens stationed troops on the islands.

Greece justified the move by citing Turkey's increased military presence along the western Turkish coast.

In recent weeks, tensions between Athens and Ankara reached critical levels when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made direct threats to Greek troops on the islands, stating that "one night we may come suddenly."

Author - Olena Madiak, 27/10/2022