The Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis entered the Greek continental shelf early on Tuesday, about 35 nautical miles south of Kastellorizo.
The ship set sail on Monday from the port of Antalya, while its global positioning system was turned off for several hours.
A new Navtex issued by Turkey “which affects Greece” is disappointing, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Monday, following the conclusion of the EU Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, adding that these actions lead to escalation of tension.
Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, the European Union has expressed concern over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision on Varosha. Specifically, Josep Borrell states in his written announcement:
“The EU expresses its grave concern over the decision to proceed with the ‘opening’ as of 8 October 2020 of part of the fenced area of Varosha, following the announcement made in Ankara on 6 October 2020.
The EU underlines the importance of the status of Varosha, as set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. In this respect, the EU reiterates that full respect of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions is crucial and calls for the immediate reversal of recent actions.
The EU supports the speedy resumption of negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, and remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, including UNSC resolutions 550 and 789, and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. It expects the same of Turkey. The EU stands ready to play an active role in supporting the negotiations, including by appointing, upon resumption, a representative to the UN Good Offices Mission.”
In addition, German Foreign Minister Haiko Maas said today that Turkey must avoid provocations in the Eastern Mediterranean, adding that his country is in solidarity with Greece and Cyprus, its EU partners.
“Ankara must stop playing games between de-escalation and provocation if its government is interested in talks, as it has repeatedly assured,” said Haiko Maas before leaving Berlin for official visit to Greece and Cyprus.
The German foreign minister urged Turkey to remain open to dialogue and not to repeat the exploration for submarine gas reserves.
