Turkish E.Med drills in line with NATO: Top diplomat

ANKARA

The Turkish foreign minister on Tuesday affirmed that all activities of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean are in line with NATO regulations.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Congolese counterpart Jean-Claude Gakosso, Mevlut Cavusoglu said: "Our drills [in the Eastern Mediterranean] are conducted within the framework of NATO rules."

Cavusoglu's remarks came in response to a question regarding Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias' statements claiming that Turkey is carrying out "exercises with live ammunition".

Cavusoglu further addressed Athens' unwillingness for dialogue to ease tensions and recalled reconciliation initiatives by the EU and NATO.

"Greece made it clear that it is not in favor of dialogue by saying 'no' to the recent [reconciliation] initiatives," he noted.

Top Turkish diplomat further stressed the necessity of having a principled stance and acting honestly and called on Greece to come the negotiation table.

Greece has disputed Turkey's current energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, trying to box in Turkish maritime territory based on small islands near the Turkish coast.

Turkey -- the country with the longest coastline on the Mediterranean -- has sent out drill ships to explore for energy on its continental shelf, saying that Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have rights in the region.

Dialogue for sharing these resources fairly will be a win-win for all sides, say Turkish officials.