Nidae KashmirMonday, October 5: The two leaders discussed rising military and diplomatic tensions in the region.
NATO’s chief voiced hope that an agreement by Greece and Turkey to avoid potential military tensions and accidents can lead to diplomatic negotiations to settle long-standing differences between the two allies.
But he was critical of Turkey’s purchase of a Russian-made missile defense system and urged Ankara to work with its NATO allies to “find alternative solutions” to its air and missile defense needs.
Stoltenberg reiterated that the Russian-made S-400 system, which Turkey has not yet activated, cannot be integrated into the NATO air and defense missile system and can lead to sanctions by the United States.
Washington says the Russian system poses a threat to its stealth fighter jet program.
Tensions between Greece and Turkey flared this summer over energy prospecting rights in an area between Turkey’s southern coast, several Greek islands, and the war-divided island of Cyprus after Turkey sent a research vessel, escorted by warships, into the disputed waters.
The two countries are historic regional rivals that have come close to war four times in the past half-century. (AP
Monday, October 5: The two leaders discussed rising military and diplomatic tensions in the region.
NATO’s chief voiced hope that an agreement by Greece and Turkey to avoid potential military tensions and accidents can lead to diplomatic negotiations to settle long-standing differences between the two allies.
But he was critical of Turkey’s purchase of a Russian-made missile defense system and urged Ankara to work with its NATO allies to “find alternative solutions” to its air and missile defense needs.
Stoltenberg reiterated that the Russian-made S-400 system, which Turkey has not yet activated, cannot be integrated into the NATO air and defense missile system and can lead to sanctions by the United States.
Washington says the Russian system poses a threat to its stealth fighter jet program.
Tensions between Greece and Turkey flared this summer over energy prospecting rights in an area between Turkey’s southern coast, several Greek islands, and the war-divided island of Cyprus after Turkey sent a research vessel, escorted by warships, into the disputed waters.
The two countries are historic regional rivals that have come close to war four times in the past half-century. (AP)
