[ad_1]
First entry: Sunday 13 September 2020, 01:23
The Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis changed course on Saturday, along with its support vessels Ataman and Cengiz Han, shortly before the end of the Turkish NAVTEX on August 31.
The ships left the area they had blocked within the Cypriot EEZ west of Cyprus on Saturday night and are now heading towards the Turkish coast, not knowing their exact destination.
In fact, it appears that Turkey did not renew NAVTEX, as the previous one on the Reis gold was issued on August 31 and expired at 1 after midnight on Sunday.
Also of interest is the increase in cruising speed of the Turkish research vessel, which used to move at a speed of 4-5 knots for a month at sea in the region, and is now sailing at 9.7 knots, as shown Maritime Traffic map.
In a first phase, this increase in speed may mean that the Turkish researcher has collected the cables and is currently at least not carrying out investigations, something that has been reproduced in the Turkish media, which interpret the step as a step towards a de-escalation solution diplomat. recent developments. In fact, there are reports in the Turkish press that “show” the port of Antalya as the destination of the research vessel.
However, the Oruc Reis appears to be moving south of Kastellorizo, heading northeast towards the Turkish coast, and is said to have declared Myra (Demre) as a destination on the Turkish coast, east of Kastellorizo.
In any case, the Greek Armed Forces remain on standby and monitor their movements minute by minute. Cypriot services are also monitoring the situation with technical means.
It is recalled that the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou will be in Kastellorizo on Sunday morning to attend the celebration of the 77th anniversary of the liberation of the island.
See the location and speed of Oruc Reis at 1 am after midnight on Sunday:
Also read: Live: where is Oruc Reis now
Pompeo: “We remain concerned about Turkey’s ongoing activities in the eastern Mediterranean”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed deep concern about the ongoing activities of Turkey, which is exploring natural resources in areas where Greece and Cyprus have jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean, adding that the Republic of Cyprus has right to exploit natural resources. resources, including the right to hydrocarbons found in the Sovereign Sea and its EEZ.
“We remain concerned about the ongoing activities of Turkey, which is exploring natural resources in areas where Greece and Cyprus have jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean.” The Republic of Cyprus has the right to exploit its natural resources, including the right to hydrocarbons that are They are found in the sea under their control and in their EEZ, to the benefit of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, “said the US diplomat from the Presidential Palace of Cyprus.
Mr. Pompeo was in Cyprus, where he had contacts with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis, and his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulidis.
Among other things, he said that relations between the two countries had never been better, something he was proud of.
He also added that security cooperation between the two countries is increasing.
Pompeo stressed that they discussed the challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean with President Anastasiadis and that US President Donald Trump has already contacted the President of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Greece.
In addition, he added that the countries of the region must resolve their differences, including on security and energy issues, diplomatically and peacefully, and emphasized that the growing military tensions are not helping anyone but opponents who want to see a split. transatlantic. that regional cooperation is absolutely essential for sustainable energy security, the creation of new markets and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He added that Cyprus’ natural resources should be equitably distributed between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, emphasizing that “the United States continues to support a comprehensive agreement for the reunification of the island into a bi-communal bizone federation.”
N. Anastasiadis: “Immediately stop illegal activities in Turkey”
“Mr. Pompeo’s visit to Cyprus comes at a time of critical events in the eastern Mediterranean due to the illegal actions of Turkey and shows the real concern and sincere interest of the United States in maintaining stability in our region.” illegal activities must be stopped immediately, “said the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis, noting repeated calls for Ankara to refrain from provocative actions.
Following his meeting with United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Presidential Palace, President Anastasiadis said that he expressed deep appreciation to the United States government for its firm stance in condemning Turkey’s illegal drilling in the Exclusive economic zone. Cyprus and for its full support for the unimpeded exercise of Cyprus’ sovereign rights to explore and exploit its natural resources.
Mr. Anastasiadis underscored the full support of the Republic of Cyprus for the United States position that any dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean should be resolved through dialogue and not gunboat tactics.
“I informed the US Secretary of State about our readiness to demarcate our maritime zones north and west of Cyprus with Turkey, either through bilateral negotiations or through an appeal to the International Court of Justice,” he said. Pompeo on the evolution of the Cyprus issue and reiterated his commitment to the resumption of negotiations from where they had remained in Crans Montana.
“It is understandable that, in order to resume negotiations on the basis of goodwill, Turkey must put an end to its aggression and provocative actions, not only in our EEZ but also in relation to Varos. To this end, I appealed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to take a precautionary stance and do everything possible to prevent Turkey from carrying out illegal actions or plans in relation to the Varos enclave, in violation of international law and relevant resolutions of the Security Council of the UN, ”said the President.
Finally, he said that they discussed with Mr. Pompeo issues related to bilateral relations and their significant development in recent years on the basis of a positive agenda characterized by joint commitment and close cooperation, including in the fields of the fight against the terrorism, the fight against terrorism. human trafficking and drugs, and address common challenges and problems, especially in the region.
As examples of this relationship, the President of the Republic cited the decision of the United States to lift the non-lethal arms embargo against the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries.
