US State Dep't urges Turkey to avoid escalating tension in East Mediterranean

The US State Department calls on Turkey to cease all provocative actions in the eastern Mediterranean, a spokesperson told Greek reporters at a press briefing on Tuesday.
"The United States is aware that Turkey has issued a NAVTEX for research in disputed waters in the Eastern Mediterranean. We urge Turkish authorities to halt any plans for operations and to avoid steps that raise tensions in the region," reporters were told. 
Turkey issued a NAVTEX on Tuesday, blocking the sea area southeast of Kastelorizo island to carry out seismic surveys until August 2.