US views regarding Turkish actions have not changed and the country has urged Turkey on multiple occasions, among others, to cease provocative actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, a State Department spokesperson has said invited to comment information that US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, spoke in very strong terms as regards Turkey during the recent NATO Foreign Ministerial meeting.

Responding to a question by hellasjournal.com, the spokesperson said that “the NATO Foreign Ministerial is an important opportunity to have frank, closed door discussions with our closest Allies and partners.”

“Our views regarding recent Turkish actions have not changed. The United States has urged Turkey on multiple occasions to resolve the S-400 issue, cease using Syrian fighters in foreign conflicts, and cease provocative actions in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he noted.

Furthermore, he said that “we remain committed to our strategic relationship with our NATO Ally Turkey.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Ankara sent on several occasions seismic research vessels to Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to conduct unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, in areas licensed by Cyprus to international energy companies.

The European Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law and in February 2020, placed two persons under restrictive measures, in relation to Turkey`s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.