Stoltenberg | It is important to find positive steps in the right direction when there are differences between allies

Defence Redefined

Published on 30/11/2020 at 18:30

“I welcome the fact that through the deterrent mechanism we have created in NATO with the support and commitment of the two NATO allies concerned, Greece and Turkey, we have managed to set up a line of communication that can help reduce incidents and accidents,” the NATO Secretary General said in a press briefing. The briefing took place prior to the teleconference of the Foreign Ministers of the North Atlantic Alliance, when the NATO Secretary General stated that even though incidents may occur, the deterrent mechanism can “prevent them from getting out of control.”

At the same time, he underlined: “I have promoted proposals on how to strengthen this mechanism and how to further reduce the risk of incidents and accidents, but of course we must find ways that work for both countries, Greece and Turkey.” Mr. Stoltenberg also added that he will continue to work on it “because NATO is important as an alliance. When there are differences, disagreements as we now see between Greece and Turkey, NATO is a platform with which we can sit down and openly deal with differences, but also to try to find positive steps in the right direction.”

Also read: Commission | “The EU timeline for Turkey is clear”

Source: ANA MPA