Turkey issued a new Navigation Telex (NAVTEX) to extend the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel’s activities until September 12.
This is the third NAVTEX renewal, after the previous one expired on September 1.
The new NAVTEX concerns Oruc Reis and the two accompanying research vessels – Ataman and Cengiz Han. They will conduct seismic surveys in the area already announced off Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In response, Greece’s Foreign Ministry stated “Turkey continues to faithfully fulfil its role as a source of turmoil and instability in the region.”
According to the statement, Turkey continues to “ignore calls for dialogue and escalate its challenges (…) Undermine security and stability in the region by forcing the international community to take action.”
“Based solely on International Law, International Maritime Law and Good Neighborliness Rules, it will continue to seek agreements to delimit its maritime zones with all countries in the region. We call on Turkey to distance itself from the daily delusions it engages in and to work for the security and stability of the region,” the statement concluded.
According to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Oruc Reis will remain in the East Med for another three months.
At the same time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that “Turkey will not allow piracy and robbery in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. As the country with the longest coastline in the Mediterranean, Turkey can not be trapped off the coast of Antalya. “Those who make dudes, because they are incited by the former colonialists, I advise them to study their recent history.”
