France warns Turkey: Eastern Mediterranean is not a "playground for national aspirations"

French Armies Minister Florence Parly said in a tweet that the Eastern Mediterranean "should not be a playground for the aspirations of some: it is a common property," at a time when Paris, Rome, Athens and Nicosia will hold joint military exercises from Wednesday to Friday in this region.

"The eastern Mediterranean is becoming an area of tension. Respect for international law should be the rule, not the exception,"

she added. "Our message is simple: the priority is dialogue, cooperation and diplomacy, so that the eastern Mediterranean becomes an area of stability and respect for international law," she added.

She explained that France will participate in the joint exercises with three "Rafael" aircraft, a frigate and a helicopter.

Paris had previously deployed, on a temporary basis, two "Rafael" fighters and two warships on 13 August in the eastern Mediterranean to participate in joint training with the Greek Navy.

The discovery of large gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean in recent years has raised tensions between Ankara and Athens, which are in conflict with some maritime areas.

Since the tenth of August, Turkey has sent a seismic vessel "Oruj Reis", accompanied by a naval force, which angered Greece, which has deployed warships in the region.

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ANHA