Escalation with Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean threatens Europe: EU official

Escalation involving Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean has a negative impact on the European Union's security and must be contained, said Josep Borrel, the EU's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Thursday.

Turkey has become increasingly assertive in the eastern Mediterranean after it signed a deal with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which Ankara backs in its fight against the Libyan National Army (LNA) for control of the country.

Borrel said that the escalation in the region must be contained, adding that the EU did not recognize the Republic of North Cyprus, which is recognized by Turkey, and any of Ankara's claims for drilling rights on its behalf.

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The European Union does not recognize the Republic of North Cyprus and rejects Turkey's activities in the waters of Cyprus, said Borrel.

Turkey's neighbors, including Cyprus and Greece, reject Turkey's claims of mineral rights over vast swathes of the eastern Mediterranean.

The EU and Arab countries including Egypt have also rejected Turkey's position.

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