On November 1st, local time, Turkey announced that the earth would once again extend the exploration time of the “Oruchi Reis” exploration vessel in the disputed waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The vessel will operate in the relevant area until November 14. On the 25th of last month, the earthwork has extended the exploration activities of the exploration vessel in the relevant waters to November 4.
Turkey’s move once again caused grievances in Greece. On the same day, the spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aksoy issued a statement in response, stating that such objections from Greece are “futility” and that Turkey will continue to carry out activities in the region in accordance with the authority prescribed by international law.
The statement also stated that Turkey is willing to engage in dialogue with Greece without any preconditions, urging the Greek side to avoid taking measures that would exacerbate tensions in the region, and to contribute to the creation of an appropriate negotiation environment.
Last week, under the mediation of the international community, Turkey and Greece also announced the cancellation of military exercises originally scheduled for the end of October.
After a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Aegean Sea on October 30, the leaders of the two sides also called each other to send condolences.
However, analysts believe that the long-term dispute between Turkey and Greece over the maritime rights and interests of the Eastern Mediterranean will be difficult to end in a short period of time, and Turkey will not easily abandon its oil and gas exploration activities in related sea areas.
Since August this year, Turkey and Greece, both of which are members of NATO, have intensified their disputes over maritime rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In early August, Turkey sent the “Oruchi Reis” exploration ship to the disputed waters of the Eastern Mediterranean and dispatched warships to escort it. This caused strong dissatisfaction with Greece.
The warships of the two sides continued to confront each other and the military exercises continued. The situation in the Eastern Mediterranean was once highly tense. The international community calls for dialogue between the two countries to resolve disputes.
The special EU summit held in early October passed a plan that warned Turkey: If Turkey unilaterally challenges the situation, the EU will impose sanctions.
