Skip to main content

Intel: US condemns Turkey's decision to redeploy ship to Greek waters

The State Department called Ankara's plan to redeploy the Oruc Reis drilling ship a "calculated provocation."
The Hellenic Navy Roussen or Super Vita class Fast Missile Patrol Boat P 71 HS Ritsos is seen off the tiny Greek island of Kastellorizo, officially Megisti, the most southeastern inhabited Greek island in the Dodecanese, situated two kilometers off the south coast of Turkey where the Kas Turkish resort can be seen on August 28, 2020. (Photo by Louisa GOULIAMAKI / AFP) (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)

The US government urged Turkey not to redeploy a seismic research vessel to Greek-claimed waters on Tuesday in the strongest statement yet from Washington on a dispute that threatens to open a rift in the NATO alliance.

“Turkey’s announcement unilaterally raises tensions in the region and deliberately complicates the resumption of crucial exploratory talks between our NATO allies Greece and Turkey,” State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on Tuesday.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.