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The gas exploration ship will be in these waters from Monday to October 22, the Turkish Navy announced Sunday evening. 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.
More recently, the Turkish head of state, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, 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 Turkish government first sent the “Oruc Reis” to the disputed area between Turkey and Greece on August 10, accompanied by warships. She remained in the area for about a month at the time.
The fear of a military conflict remains
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 However, the Turkish government announced at that time that the “Oruc Reis” should only be withdrawn for maintenance work and then return to the area.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 reserves in the eastern Mediterranean, there has been a heated dispute over 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.
