Turkey says its Ork Rees research vessel will survey earthquakes in the disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean communities until September 12, prompting a backlash from neighboring Greece.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that his country favors talks with rival Greece that would lead to a resource sharing of Eastern Mediterranean communities.
Speaking at a news conference with his Algerian counterpart, Mevlૂટt Cavusoglu also accused Greece of engaging in “provocative acts” in the region with the support of the European Union, which threatens sanctions against Ankara.
“We support a joint settlement that includes sitting around the table to negotiate with all sides in the Eastern Mediterranean, to ensure that everyone benefits from the Eastern Mediterranean resources fairly or for sharing. [of resources] Absolutely, ”Kevsuglu said.
In recent weeks, Turkish and Greek leaders have engaged in tense rhetoric as their warships overshadow each other in the East Mediterranean.
Forces from both countries are conducting a series of military exercises at sea between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete. The hurdle arose when Turkey sent its research ship Ucruck Race with warships to search for gas and oil reserves.
‘Rights and Justice’
Both NATO allies strongly disagree on the claims of hydrocarbon resources in the region, based on conflicting views on the boundaries of continental waters with most Greek islands.
Both sides have held military exercises in the East Mediterranean, highlighting the possibility of escalating the dispute.
The Turkish navy announced the extension of the mission of the UC Roux Reese late Monday evening – before it was due to end on September 1.
The adviser came after an EU executive on Monday called for talks with Turkey, and Ankara called for unilateral action to avoid tensions in the East Mediterranean.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has threatened military action against Greece, called Turkey’s activities in the East Mediterranean an “investigation.” [its] Rights and justice “and there were Greek attempts to” imprison “Turkey in a small region around its coast, he said.
“Efforts to land on Mediterranean property, which is the right of every country around it, are an example of modern-day colonialism,” Erdogan said.
He also accused some countries of not taking the name of pushing Greece into a confrontation with Turkey.
He said, “It is ridiculous how (nations) are trying to throw a state that can help itself as a bait against a regional and global power like Turkey.”
Greece, a member of the European Union, claims water is part of its continental shelf and has the backing of a 27-nation group that has condemned Turkey’s “illegal activities” and plans to blacklist Turkish officials involved in energy research. .
Greece’s foreign ministry called the advice illegal and urged Turkey to reduce tensions and work for stability in the region.
Turkey will ignore calls for dialogue and escalate its provocations, the ministry said in a statement. “Greece will not be blackmailed.”
The ministry added that Greece would seek maritime deals with its neighbors in the region in accordance with international law and maritime law.
Last week, Greece ratified an agreement on maritime borders with Egypt, following a similar agreement between Turkey and Libya.
Seismic surveys are part of preliminary work for potential hydrocarbon research. Turkey is also exploring hydrocarbon resources in the Black Sea and has discovered 320 billion cubic meters (11.3 trillion cubic feet) of gas field.
Separately, Turkey also said it would conduct a military exercise from northwestern Cyprus until 11 September.
Last week, the EU said it was preparing to impose sanctions on Turkey – including tougher economic measures – unless it made progress in easing tensions with Greece and Cyprus in the East Mediterranean.
Turkish Vice President Fouat Okte called the EU threat “hypocritical”.
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