Actions that risk heightening tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean should be avoided, says State Department representative in a response to a question from Greek journalists.
The State Department spokesperson was replying to a question about reports that Greece is considering exercising its right to extend the country’s territorial waters to twelve miles south of Crete.
Asked whether such a move is compatible with the US’s legal interpretation of UNCLOS, his response was that “there is no change in the long-standing US position.”
“We believe the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected. As a matter of principle, we encourage all states to resolve maritime delimitation issues peacefully in accordance with international law,” the spokesperson for the State Department said.
“While the United States generally does not take a position on other states’ maritime boundary disputes, we call on all parties to refrain from all actions that risk heightening tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he noted.
Source: Cyprus News Agency