Turkish gas exploration to continue in Cypriot waters as Ankara, Athens discuss
Shortly after pausing gas-exploration activities near Greek islands to facilitate Ankara-Athens negotiations on disputed maritime boundaries, Turkey sent a NAVTEX message indicating another research vessel would seek gas near Cyprus.
ISTANBUL — Tensions over disputed tracts of the eastern Mediterranean continue despite an apparent pause in Turkish exploration activities Tuesday to facilitate Ankara-Athens negotiations over shared maritime boundaries.
Hours after Turkish officials called off gas exploration activities near the Greek island of Kastellorizo, Ankara issued a NAVTEX message reserving an area inside Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone to conduct hydrocarbon research until Sept. 20.
