BREAKING: Turkey Withdraws Oruc Reis

Moments ago, Turkey withdrew Oruc Reis research vessel and the accompanying warships to the port of Antalya, after violating the Greek and Cypriot continental shelf and maritime space for over a month.

The Turkish step was token following wide criticism and pressure from the international community and pledge to impose sanctions.

Hours earlier, the United States demanded a halt to Ankara's illegal activities, during a visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Cyprus.

In an official statement, Greece welcomed Turkey's withdrawal of the ship from the eastern Mediterranean, and considered the step "positive."

Further more, Greek Minister of Development, Adonis Georgiadis said: “They are beginning to understand that this policy of provocations is not leading them anywhere."

The Development Minister said that Ankara is starting to think twice and is slowly withdrawing its challenges, “because I think it is unthinkable for (Recep Tayyib) Erdogan to put up with the whole civilized world.”

On August 10, Turkey sent the ship "Oruc Reis" to explore the waters between Cyprus and the Greek islands of Kastelorizo ​​and Crete.

The move angered Athens and the European Union, and sparked fears that the region might slide into war, with military deployment across both countries' borders.

During his visit to Cyprus, Pompeo said that his country is still "deeply concerned" about Turkey's gas exploration operations "in areas Greece and Cyprus confirm that they are under its authority in the eastern Mediterranean."

He considered that the increasing military tensions help no one but opponents who wish to see a split in the unity of NATO countries. Regional partnership is absolutely necessary for lasting energy security.

Earlier, Greece announced plans to enhance the country's military capabilities, especially the purchase of 18 fighters from France, four multi-role frigates and four helicopters, in addition to recruiting 15,000 soldiers and injecting more funding into its defense industry.

This comes as Turkish maneuvers with live ammunition that Turkey started yesterday and continue until today.

Earlier, Cyprus condemned Turkey's announcement of holding a military maneuver off its coast, stressing that it was "illegal" and "violated" its sovereignty. This comes while the "lifting of the US arms embargo on Cyprus" came into effect.

The Cypriot Presidency Office said that the United States and Cyprus signed an agreement on cooperation in defense, which includes the establishment of a defense training center on the island.

The office explained that this will be a facility owned by Cyprus, which has been able to provide initial funding from the US government, for its construction and operation" in Larnaca, and in which training operations will be conducted in the field of handling and storing dangerous chemical and biological materials, ensuring the security of seaports, as well as cybersecurity.

It has the name "Cyprus Center for Land, Maritime and Ports Security".