Merkel spoke to Turkey and Greece about tension

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken with the leaders of Greece and Turkey about rising tensions between the two countries in the eastern Mediterranean, her spokesman said on Friday.

Merkel had a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday.

Her spokesman Steffen Seibert said Friday that Merkel urged the two leaders to de-escalate the situation and engage in direct dialogue.

The latest dispute between Athens and Ankara started on Monday when Turkey sent a seismic research ship, escorted by warships, to prospect for potential offshore oil and gas in waters that Athens claims as its own.

Greece placed its armed forces on high alert and sent warships to the area, demanding the vessels' withdrawal.

Turkey claims it has every right to prospect in the area.