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Greece sees dispatch of a Turkish research ship as “illegal action”
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The “Oruc Reis” in October 2018
What: REUTERS
The “Oruc Reis” is at the center of the conflict with Greece over gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. However, the Turkish research ship is now being sent back to these waters. This exacerbates tensions between countries.
rel Turkey is once again sending the research vessel “Oruc Reis” to these waters, which is at the center of its dispute with Greece over gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean. The gas exploration ship will be in the eastern Mediterranean from Monday to October 22, the Turkish Navy announced Sunday night. According to the information, the “Oruc Reis” will sail south of the Greek island of Kastelorizo and will be accompanied by two other ships.
Greece claims the waters around Kastelorizo for itself. Turkey rejects it. The new shipment of the “Oruc Reis” could further exacerbate tensions between Ankara and Athens after several signs of détente in the conflict in recent weeks.
The Turkish head of state, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had agreed to hold talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The two countries also agreed on a mechanism to prevent military incidents through NATO mediation. This includes a direct line between the two countries.
The Greek government condemned the forwarding of the “Oruc Reis”. Greece’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that this is a “major escalation and a direct threat to peace and security in the region.” Turkey is urged to reverse its decision immediately and stop the “illegal action” immediately. Greece will not be blackmailed.
The action shows Turkey’s unreliability and shows that Ankara really does not want any dialogue, he said. Indeed, following mediation in Berlin, the federal states agreed to set a date for joint exploratory talks to address the problem. There will be another mediation attempt this week when German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) visits Athens, Ankara and Nicosia.
The first time the “Oruc Reis” was in the area for a month
The Turkish government first sent the “Oruc Reis” to the disputed area between Turkey and Greece on August 10. Warships accompanied her. The “Oruc Reis” remained in the area for about a month.
Regarding his departure in September, Erdogan said at the time that “diplomacy would have a chance.” However, the Turkish government announced at that time that the “Oruc Reis” should only be withdrawn for maintenance work and then return to the area.
Since the discovery of rich gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean, there has been a heated debate about their exploitation. EU members Greece and Cyprus as well as Turkey claim the affected maritime areas. Ankara and Athens have also made their position clear by sending warships. This has increased concern in the EU that the dispute could lead to a military conflict between NATO partners.
