US State Department calls Turkey-Greece sea-zone pact provocative and unhelpful

The US State Department issued a statement on Sunday condemning the ratification of the Turkey-Greece memorandum that defines maritime boundaries, calling it a provocative and non-constructive step that raises regional tensions. The announcement highlighted that the agreement could impede cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Washington urged both countries, which are NATO allies, to engage in bilateral dialogue and resolve any points of disagreement through negotiations conducted in good faith.

The department emphasized that a peaceful resolution would open opportunities for commercial investment and scientific research that would benefit the entire area. It reiterated that the United States’ position on the issue remains unchanged and called for restraint from all parties.