As European leaders discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean (see separate news), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced, on Thursday 1 October, the establishment of a military ‘de-confliction’ mechanism between Greece and Turkey.
“This mechanism is designed to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean. It includes the creation of a hot line between Greece and Turkey to facilitate de-confliction at sea or in the air”, he announced in a statement.
This mechanism, the result of military technical talks started in early September (see EUROPE 12553/21), “can help to create the space for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying dispute”, Mr Stoltenberg said. “We are ready to develop it further”, the Secretary-General added, saying that he would remain in close contact with both sides. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)