US Senators call for sanctions on Turkey over 'illegal' drilling in East Mediterranean

US Senators have urged State Secretary Mike Pompeo to impose sanctions on key sectors of Turkish ecomy for its “illegal” drilling operations in Eastern Mediterranean. Bob Menendez, a ranking member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote to Pompeo ahead of his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, calling for new sanctions on Turkey.

Citing Ankara’s recent deployment of naval vessels to accompany a drilling ship into Greece’s exclusive ecomic zone, lawmakers also called on Trump administration to urge Turkey to remove its ships from international waters. Pompeo had earlier asserted that US will t allow unlawful drilling and warned Turkey of “diplomatic initiatives”.

“In accordance with your prior statements, we ask you to call on Turkey to remove its ships from Greece’s EEZ and to resolve this matter in accordance with international law,” letter read.

Read: Turkey Calls Out 'hypocritical' Decision Of UAE To rmalise Relations With Israel

Read: Turkey's Erdogan Threatens To Suspend Diplomatic Ties With UAE After Israel Deal

'Increasing provocations'

duo urged Pompeo to immediately start working with European Union on a coordinated response to Turkey’s “increasing provocations and illegal actions” in Eastern Mediterranean. 27-member bloc has already imposed an entry ban and asset freeze on two Turkish energy executives, with France deploying ships to Eastern Mediterranean. 

Menendez and Hollan also accused Turkey of shirking its international obligations and moving away from NATO Alliance. y said that administration’s failure to impose sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of S-400,  an anti-aircraft weapon system developed by Russia, has emboldened Erdogan’s aggression across Eastern Mediterranean and throughout Middle East.  

“ failure of United States to act decisively at this critical time will only invite furr Turkish escalation. refore, we urge you take all appropriate measures to ensure Turkey removes its naval vessels from Greece’s EEZ and adheres to its international obligations,” y added.

Read: Tension High Between Turkey, Greece In Eastern Mediterranean

Read: Turkey Issues Advisory To Carry Out A Seismic Survey In Mediterranean