NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance had averted a conflict in 2020 between Greece and Turkey and would be ready to do so again if the tensions between the two nations escalated into a ‘hot conflict’.

“NATO has set up a conflict prevention mechanism, which we used in 2020, to establish more transparency and prevent the emergence of an uncontrollable spiral of tension,” he said, adding that the “instability is difficult and of concern to NATO.”
“Turkey, like Greece, is a valuable ally, playing an important role in the Alliance. We are ready to do it again (prevent conflict) “, he in an interview published today in the French magazine “Le Point “.

“The situation is difficult and that is why it is necessary for NATO to be a platform where Greece and Turkey can meet, ” he added, acknowledging the tension in Greek-Turkish relations and expressing his concern.

When asked whether Ankara’s objections regarding possible NATO membership of Sweden and Finland due to their ties with terrorist groups are justified, he replied: “I say that when such concerns are expressed, we should consult and see what we can do together to ensure that we fight terrorism together.”

Regarding the Ukrainian issue, he explained how the Alliance was seeking to “ensure victory for Ukraine without going to war with Russia,” but stressed that “Putin’s nuclear rhetoric is dangerous.”