The United States’ decision to impose sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system was “necessary”, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on Wednesday.
His comments were made during the online 2nd Southeast Europe & East Med Conference organized by the Delphi Economic Forum, in association with the Hellenic American Leadership Council.
Dendias expressed that the sanctions imposed by the United States, coupled with warnings issued at last week’s European Council meeting, may lead to what he described as a “period of calm”.
He reiterated that Greece is willing to engage in “constructive dialogue” with Turkey, on the condition that Ankara stops provocations in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
The Greek FM also stressed that the only dispute up for discussion is the delimitation of maritime zones and the continental shelf.
When asked about the EU’s stance with Turkey, Dendias said that Greece’s European partners could convey clearer messages, but the EU does see Turkey’s violations as a European problem rather than disputes between two member-states.
Greece welcomes US sanctions against Turkey for purchasing Russian missile system
