NATO DMs discuss situation in Eastern Mediterranean

BRUSSELS, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- NATO Defense Ministers Thursday discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and agreed that tensions between Greece and Turkey should be solved on the basis of international law.
"We had a productive exchange of views. And we all recognize the importance of avoiding words and actions which can escalate tensions," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told an online press conference at the end of the first day of a virtual meeting of Defense Ministers of the 30-member Alliance.
Ministers also expressed strong support for the NATO de-confliction mechanism to avoid incidents and accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean, he said.
"Clearly, the military de-confliction mechanism will not solve the underlying disputes.
But it can provide the space for political discussions," said the NATO chief", adding, "and I hope it can pave the way for exploratory talks under German auspices as soon as possible," he said.
The NATO ministers also decided to establish a new NATO Space Centre, and discussed fairer burden sharing and relations with Russia.
On Friday they will discuss the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq. (end) nk.mb