“We urge our allies to refrain from rhetoric that could further escalate tensions,” said a State Department spokesman in response to a question asked by a Turkish journalist during a press briefing regarding the Greek-Turkish relations and the Turkish accusations that Greece was militarising the islands in the Aegean Sea.

While briefing the accredited editors at the US State Department, a Turkish journalist said that Athens was arming the islands in violation of international treaties and asked what the US position was on the issue.

State Department spokesman Ned Price replied: “Our position is the same as you heard a few weeks ago: the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and protected.”

Mr. Price reiterated the US government’s firm commitment to resolving disputes diplomatically and to avoid provocative rhetoric that could lead to a resurgence of tensions.

“We continue to encourage our NATO allies – Greece and Turkey in this case – to work together to maintain peace and security in the region and to resolve their differences diplomatically. We urge our allies to refrain from rhetoric that could further escalate tensions. Greece and Turkey, of course, are both strong partners. “They are key NATO allies of the United States and we will continue to urge them to de-escalate tensions.”

Turkish journalist tries to challenge the sovereignty of #Aegean islands by implying that #Greece does not have the right to militarize them. @StateDeptSpox is clear:

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“The sovereignty and territory – territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected…” pic.twitter.com/KEJMkWGJX7

— Petros Kasfikis (@PetrosKas) June 16, 2022