Turkey to Continue Provocation in Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey has issued a new navigational telex, or Navtex, for the area in the Eastern Mediterranean where it will conduct seismic research activities amid disputes with Greece, according to local news reports.

On Tuesday, the mission, which will be carried out by the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel, is expected to continue until June 15, 2021.

A Navtex is a maritime communications system that allows ships to inform other vessels about their presence in an area as well as other information.

Turkey and Greece, both members of NATO, present claims regarding the extension of the continental shelf of both countries and the rights of potential energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

The tension began in August when Ankara sent Oruç Reis to operate in the waters also claimed by Greece.

At a summit this month, European Union leaders agreed to prepare limited sanctions on Turkish inpiduals over the energy exploration dispute with Greece and Cyprus, and to postpone any tougher steps until March.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the leaders intend to discuss arms exports to Turkey with NATO members and Washington after Greece pressed for an arms embargo.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said last week that his country would not give up its rights and interests in the eastern Mediterranean due to possible EU sanctions.

Turkey had withdrawn the ship Oruç Reis from disputed areas before two European Union summits, which prompted European Council President Charles Michel to say that the "cat and mouse" game between the European Union and Ankara must end.