Greece calls on Turkey to stop renewed gas exploration activities in East Med

As Turkish vessels are dispatched near Greek territorial waters, analysts say tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea could quickly escalate if leaders on both sides do not reengage in diplomatic talks.
This picture taken on August 23, 2019 in Istanbul shows a view of Turkish General Directorate of Mineral research and Exploration's (MTA) Oruc Reis seismic research vessel docked at Haydarpasa port, which searches for hydrocarbon, oil, natural gas and coal reserves at sea. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
This picture taken on Aug. 23, 2019, in Istanbul shows a view of Turkish General Directorate of Mineral research and Exploration's Oruc Reis seismic research vessel docked at Haydarpasa port. - OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images
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Diego Cupolo
@diegocupolo

​ISTANBUL — The Greek Foreign Ministry called on Turkey to stop what it deemed “illegal” gas exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean Monday amid a potentially dangerous escalation between the two nations over contested maritime claims in the region.

“Greece will not be blackmailed. It will defend its sovereignty and its sovereign rights,” the ministry said in a statement.

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