France and Germany have accused Turkey on Thursday of continuing to provoke the European Union with its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and gave it a week to clarify its positions.
“It is clear to us that Turkey is permanently carrying out provocative acts, which are unacceptable, ” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said during a news conference alongside his German and Polish counterparts.
He added that the ball was in Turkey's court, but that the EU was ready to change the balance of power if Turkey did not return to dialogue.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Turkey's decision to resend the vessel was "inadmissible".
Asked about the possibility of bringing forward EU sanctions, Maas noted that the bloc would wait a week to decide how to react.
"It's been twice that expected discussions have not taken place and we don't know when they will happen. We must wait to see if there is progress in a week and then we'll see what attitude needs to be adopted by the EU." he added.
The statement came on the heels of Turkey last week's announcement that it would send its research ship "Oruc Reis" back to a disputed Mediterranean area after the vessel returned to the country's shores in mid-September following a political standoff between Ankara and Athens.
The Turkish navy issued an advisory, saying that Oruc Reis would conduct a seismic survey in the eastern Mediterranean over the next 10 days.
The maritime notice added that two other vessels, the Ataman and Cengiz Han along with the exploration ship, will continue works in an area including the south of Kastellorizo until Oct. 22.
The decision was seen by Athens as a “direct threat to peace“, who warned that it will defend itself if necessary.
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