Macron, illustration - John Thys / AP / SIPA

Faced with tensions, France reacts. Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called on Greece and Turkey to coordinate more to ease tensions in the eastern Mediterranean. The President of the Republic has also announced a strengthening of the French military presence, according to the Elysee.

The situation in the eastern Mediterranean is worrying. Turkey's unilateral decisions on oil exploration are causing tensions. These must end in order to allow a peaceful dialogue between neighboring countries and allies within NATO.

- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 12, 2020

During a telephone interview with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Head of State once again expressed “his concern about the tensions caused by Turkey's unilateral decisions on oil exploration, which must cease to allow a peaceful dialogue between neighboring countries and allies within NATO ”, indicates the presidency in a press release.

A request for "consultation" between Greeks and Turks

“Recalling the importance of settling current disputes through dialogue”, he “underlined the need for greater consultation between Greece and Turkey and in this regard welcomed the mediation initiative initiated by Germany” , add text.

I have decided to temporarily strengthen the French military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days, in cooperation with European partners including Greece.

- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 12, 2020

"In order to better appreciate the situation in this region of the Mediterranean and to demonstrate his desire to ensure respect for international law, the president has decided to temporarily strengthen the French military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days, in cooperation with European partners, including Greece, ”the press release concludes. The Elysée was not in a position to immediately give details of this strengthening of the French presence.

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