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Source: Dubai-Arabia.net
In light of international pressure and European hints that sanctions could be imposed on Ankara due to its exploration work in the eastern Mediterranean, the Turkish exploration vessel “Uruk Reis” returned to the port of Antalya in the south on Sunday. from Turkey.
The Greek government welcomed that step, after sending that ship to a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean last July, to search for oil and gas in the waters, further tension between the two countries.
“This is a positive sign. We will see how things develop for a proper assessment,” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Sunday.
“Don’t negotiate”
It should be noted that Greece had previously confirmed that it would not negotiate with Ankara before stopping what it described as “Turkish provocations,” while Germany and NATO sought to mediate a solution to the crisis.
The dispute over oil and gas reserves led to a military build-up in the eastern Mediterranean by various parties and exacerbated the Turkish-European dispute. Turkey and Greece, both members of NATO, sent warships to the region where the Uruk Reis was engaged in research and conducted military exercises to confirm their claims.
Turkish ship in the eastern Mediterranean (AP)
Tensions have escalated in the eastern Mediterranean region due to mutual claims between Turkey, on the one hand, and Greece and Cyprus, on the other, for each party’s right to marine areas believed to be rich in gas. natural.
Yesterday, Saturday, the United States entered this file. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his country’s great concern about Turkey’s movements in the eastern Mediterranean region and called for a diplomatic solution to the growing crisis over natural resources at sea.
He also said during a whirlwind visit to Cyprus on Saturday night, in which he met with President Nikos Anastasiades, “The countries of the region must reach a solution to their differences diplomatically and peacefully, including on issues of security and sources. of energy “. “The escalation of military tension will not help anyone but opponents who want to see a break in the unity of the transatlantic countries,” he added.
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