Turkey resumes energy research in disputed waters
A Turkish seismic research vessel has resumed energy prospecting activities in disputed eastern Mediterranean waters, sparking renewed tensions with Greek and EU leaders, who called on Ankara to end its "provocations."
ISTANBUL — A Turkish seismic research ship escorted by naval frigates began energy prospecting activities Wednesday in contested tracts of the eastern Mediterranean, renewing disputes between Ankara and Athens over maritime boundaries.
Following a brief pause for maintenance, Turkey’s Oruc Reis vessel redeployed Monday and reached an area near the Greek island of Kastellorizo two miles off the Turkish coast, where it began conducting gas discovery activities Wednesday, according to Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez.
The move was condemned earlier this week by leaders in Athens, Brussels and Washington, who called on Ankara to seek diplomatic solutions in settling long-simmering disputes with neighboring Greece regarding overlapping maritime claims in the region.
Speaking to lawmakers Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Greece and Cyprus failed to uphold commitments made during negotiations within the EU and NATO following a string of territorial spats over the summer.
