The United States on Friday called for an end to tense rhetoric after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Greece to demilitarize the Aegean islands, adding that he was “not joking” with the warning.

“We call on Greece to stop arming non-military islands and to act in accordance with international agreements. I’m not kidding, I’m serious. “This country (Turkey) is located.” said Mr. Erdogan.

A State Department spokesman told VOA that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and protected.

“We continue to encourage our NATO allies, Greece and Turkey, to work together to maintain peace and security in the region and to resolve disputes diplomatically.” said the spokesman.

“We urge our allies to refrain from rhetoric that could further escalate tensions. “For the United States, Greece and Turkey are both strong partners and key NATO allies.” the reaction of the State Department continues ..

Greece and Turkey have long had disputes over issues such as maritime borders and claims to the Mediterranean, as well as airspace, migrants and ethnically divided Cyprus.

Tensions have recently risen again over the Aegean islands, which Ankara says cannot be armed under international treaties.

In a speech while attending Turkish military exercises near the Aegean coastal region of Izmir, Mr Erdogan called on Athens to “To avoid dreams, actions and statements that would result in repentance” and mentioned the war for Turkish independence in the early 1920s, when the Turks defeated the occupying powers, including Greece.

“Turkey will not relinquish its rights in the Aegean and will not withdraw from exercising the rights set out in international agreements when it comes to arming the islands.” said Mr. Erdogan.

Last week, Erdogan announced that Turkey was suspending all bilateral talks with Greece over a dispute with the Greek prime minister and what Ankara calls airspace violations.

The two had resumed bilateral talks in 2021 to improve ties after a five-year hiatus, but have made little progress.

Ankara says the Aegean islands were given to Greece under the 1923 and 1947 treaties on condition that it has no weapons there.

Greece has said Turkey’s comments on arming the islands are “baseless” and has accused Ankara of questioning its sovereignty over them.

On Thursday, the Greek Foreign Ministry released 16 maps which it said “Clearly describe the illegal, one-sided actions and claims of Turkey.”

Both countries have sent letters to the United Nations outlining their rival positions in airspace and islands.

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