German FM Maas urges dialogue on the basis of international law

He also stressed the "special weight" that Greece's voice will have during the Informal Council of EU Foreign Ministers that will take place on Friday in Berlin and will also deal with EU-Turkey relations.

According to a statement from the German Foreign Ministry, Maas stated:

Turkey and Greece are our allies in NATO. Solutions to the issues related to gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean can only be found on the basis of international law and through a sincere dialogue between them. Tension does not only affect the EU-Turkey relationship. Further escalation can hurt all sides, but above all those directly involved.

The 'window' for dialogue between Greece and Turkey must now be opened and not closed. That is why we need, instead of new challenges, steps to ease the tension and start direct talks. And we want to offer the best possible support.

Josep Borrell has recently had an important negotiation process with Turkey, which we fully support.

We will discuss our relationship with Turkey this week in Berlin where the voice of Greece will have special weight. This is another reason why it is important for me to hold direct talks.

Source: ana-mpa