BERLIN/BRUSSELS, Aug. 26 -- Josep Borrell, the high representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign affairs and security policy, said on Wednesday he would present a wide set of options for solving the disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean over natural gas deposits.
Attending a video press conference following an informal meeting of the EU defense ministers of in Berlin, Borrell said, "as there is still work in progress," the purpose is not to consider which kind of sanctions would be presented against Turkey.
German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer underlined that a further escalation of the situation should be avoided so that space could be created for political solution and an agreement to solve the disputes, mainly between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey.
Appearing at the joint press conference with Borrell, the minister said she agreed with her colleagues from Greece and Cyprus that the current situation is tense and must be defused. She added that many fear that events may lead to an unwanted escalation.
Earlier Wednesday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the military alliance needs to find a way to de-escalate the situation and maintain dialogue between the concerned parties.
"We need to find a way to resolve the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on the spirit of allied solidarity and international law," said Stoltenberg, who also attended the meeting in Berlin.
Both Turkey and Greece are NATO members.