Turkey’s seismic research vessel Barbaros has set sail towards Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to conduct gas exploration.
A NAVTEX issued by Turkey on Tuesday states the Barbaros sailed from the port of Tasucu on Wednesday and is headed towards Cyprus’ EEZ where it will conduct seismic research inside Blocks 2, 3 and 13. The area being explored by Turkey are in the sea area south and southeast of Famagusta.
The NAVTEX, which is the international maritime safety advisory system, will be valid until 20 September.
Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias contacted his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides on the phone on Thursday morning.
In a later interview with Antenna TV, Dendias stressed that the Turkish seismic research vessel “Barbaros” is blatantly violating Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and he sent the message that Greece will support the Republic of Cyprus in any way requested of it, including by imposing further sanctions on Turkey.
Over the past few weeks, Turkey has been active on all fronts in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey had suspended its efforts for oil and gas exploration around the Aegean islands of Rhodes, Karpathos and Kastellorizo after the United States, France and other European countries had criticised its activities.
Turkey has disputed Greek and Cyprus EEZ with its own claims over drilling for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean.
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