France to increase its military presence in E Med, says Macron

PARIS- Reuters

France will increase its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, President Emmanuel Macron
said on Aug. 12, calling on Turkey to halt oil and gas exploration in disputed waters that has heightened tensions with Greece.

The French leader voiced concern over "unilateral" exploration by Turkey in a call with Greek Prime Minister
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron's office said in a statement, adding the prospecting should "cease in order to allow a peaceful dialogue" between the neighboring NATO members.

France will "temporarily reinforce" its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, the statement said, to "monitor the situation in the region and mark its determination to uphold international law."

France will send two Rafale fighter jets and the naval frigate 'Lafayette' to the eastern Mediterranean as part of plans to increase its military presence in the region, the armed forces ministry said on Aug. 13.