Greece calls for emergency EU meeting on Turkey’s Eastern Mediterranean activities

An aerial photo shows Turkish drill ship continuing offshore drilling operations in the Mediterranean Sea on 11 July 2019 [Turkish National Defence Ministry/Anadolu Agency]

Greece yesterday called for an emergency meeting of European Union foreign ministers to discuss Turkey’s decision to dispatch a seismic research vessel in a disputed area in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek Foreign Ministry urged Ankara to stop illegal activities in the eastern Mediterranean region which “undermine peace and security in the region”.

It added that it “will not accept blackmail” and will “defend its sovereign rights”.

Earlier on Monday, the Turkish navy issued an advisory saying that the Oruc Reis vessel would operate in an area of sea south of Turkey’s Antalya and west of Cyprus between 10-23 August, Reuters reported.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration.

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