U.S. pledges to help ease Greece-Turkey feud

Secretary THE SSA LON I KI, GREECE— of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that Washington will use its influence in the region to try to ease a volatile dispute betweenNATO allies Greece and Turkey over energy rights in theMediterranean.

Pompeo began a five-day regional tour inThessaloniki, days after GreeceandTurkey committed to re starting a diplomatic dialogue on the dispute that triggered a dangerous military build-up—and fears of military conflict — in the disputed maritime area over the summer.

The U.S. and Greece “reiterated their dedication to enhancing their close cooperation as NATO allies, using all appropriate means at their disposal, region,” the two countries said in a joint statement after Pompeomet with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

Relations between Greece and neighboring Turkey deterioratedsharply this year over disputed maritime boundaries and exploration rights in theMediterranean.

Turkey sent a researchvessel, accompanied by warships, to prospect for energy resources in an area Greece claims is on its own continental shelf and where it claims exclusive economic rights. Athens sent warships of its own to the area.

Pompeo welcomed the decision of Athens and An kara to restart exploratory talks and said maritime disputes should be solved through dialogue, not demonstrations of power.

“We’ ve watched the Greeks move in that direction trying to achievethat,” hetoldGreece’s ANA state news agency. “We hope the Turkish government will see it the same way, and we hope the exploratory talks not only get kicked off right, but it’simportant that they’re resolved in a way that deliversoutcomes that eachof the two nations find more than acceptable.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced support for the peaceful resolution of disputes and renewed a call for solutions thatwould protect everyone’s rights.