Turkish officials are not taking a step back from their provocative references as the Oruc Reis is sailing between Rhodes and Kastellorizo, and it will remain until October 27 according to a new Navtex issued by Ankara authorities and despite the reaction of Athens.
On the one hand, as reported by vema.com.au, Greece has taken steps in the diplomatic front with coordinated moves, on the other hand, members of the Erdogan government are stirring up the current situation even more.
Energy Minister Fatih Dönmez and Defense Minister Hulusi Akar add fuel to the fire through statements about a “blue homeland” and renewed survey activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In particular, in an interview with the Turkish press, the former claimed that the research vessel was moving within the Turkish continental shelf and, in fact, the would survey activities would continue for two more months, while the latter may have stressed that Turkey seeks dialogue, however, his references to President Erdogan’s much-touted “Blue Homeland” of the Turks can only be described as provocative. In fact, he stressed that Turkey would not accept a violation of its sovereign rights.
