Merkel, Macron call for diplomatic solution to East Med tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a de-escalation of tensions in the eastern Mediterranean on Thursday, vowing to support diplomatic efforts to resolve maritime boundary disputes between Greece and Turkey.

“We need stability in the eastern Mediterranean, not tensions,” Anadolu cited Merkel as saying at a joint news conference with Macron, which followed talks at Macron’s official holiday retreat in the south of France.

“We are aware of the critical situation there,” Merkel said. “I am confident that if Germany and France join their forces, hopefully we can find a good solution, which can make cooperation possible.”

Merkel also emphasised the importance of maintaining unity among European Union member states and demonstrating solidarity with EU allies Greece and Cyprus.

Tensions between NATO members Turkey and Greece further intensified on Aug. 10 when Turkey sent the Oruç Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction.

Ankara has said the Oruç Reis, operating between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until Aug. 23, despite a call from the European Union for Turkey to halt its activities in the contested waters.

Macron said Europe must protect its members’ sovereignty in the Mediterranean when it is cast into doubt.

The French president also said France and Germany would act in coordination and that both countries want a de-escalation of tensions and respect for sovereignty.

“We have the will to ensure stability in this region and the will to respect international law and to favour de-escalation,” news website Euractiv cited Macron as saying.

The tensions are the latest in an ongoing territorial spat between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus over offshore energy resources. Greece and Cyprus say their islands have their own continental shelves, granting the nations exclusive exploration rights, a claim Turkey contests.

Ankara, which does not recognise Cyprus as a state, claims half of the country’s exclusive economic zone on behalf of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and has repeatedly carried out warship-escorted offshore drilling in its environs.