VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

French President, Emmanuel Macron will increase his country's military presence in the East Mediterranean. Macron's intention is a reaction to the activities carried out by Turkey in the region. He called for Turkey to stop oil and gas exploration in the waters disputed with Greece.

It was reported on the France24 page that President Macron voiced concern over the unilateral exploration carried out by Turkey during a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to President Macron, peaceful dialogue should be pursued to reduce tensions and resolve disputes. Otherwise, he will temporarily strengthen his military presence in the East Mediterranean. He further stated that his military will be assigned to monitor the situation there as a sign of France's determination to uphold international law.

Tensions in the Mediterranean have escalated after Turkey sent a seismic research vessel -Oruc Reis to the region this week.

Turkey is the guarantor country of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The country has consistently opposed the unilateral drilling by the Greek Cypriot government in the East Mediterranean. Ankara insists that the TRNC also has rights to the resources in the area.

In 1974, after a coup aimed at taking Cyprus by Greece, Ankara had to intervene as a guarantor force. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was founded. The decades have seen several attempts to resolve the Cyprus dispute, all ending in failure.

Both France and Turkey are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As fellow NATO members, both countries should be able to solve their problems well so that a more serious conflict can be avoided.