The US reacts to Erdogan’s threats to Greece: Words that increase tension in NATO – Topky.sk

“At a time when Russia has once again invaded the territory of a sovereign European state, statements that may increase tensions between NATO allies are particularly unhelpful,” said one of the US State Department’s spokespersons regarding Erdogan’s remarks. “The United States continues to encourage our NATO allies to work together to maintain peace and security in the region and to resolve disputes diplomatically,” he added. Greece rejects Ankara’s claims Erdogan declared at a rally on Saturday that Greece will pay a “high price” for the Soviet-made S-300 Greek air defense systems, which he says target Turkish planes over the Aegean Sea. The Turkish president also mentioned the occupation of the Greek historical city of Smyrna – currently Izmir – by Turkey in 1922, which is a painful memory for the Greeks, AFP reminds. Greece rejects Ankara’s claims and often accuses Turkey of increasing tensions, including the overflights of Turkish fighter jets over the Greek islands.