Turkey sends research vessel in Greek continental shelf raising tensions

The seismographic vessel "Oruc Reis is moving southwest, accompanied by Turkish warships. It is sailing at speeds of up to 7 knots, which is not suitable for laying cables for seismic surveys.

At first reading, it appears that Turkey avoided sending the "Orus Reis" very close to the Greek coast, at a distance of 6.5 nm, but directed it about 30 nautical miles south of Strongyli and Ro, although inside the illegal Navtex. After 22:00 the Turkish seismograph vessel opened its transmitters and revealed its location.

The sudden act of escalation of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean on the part of Turkey, just 24 hours after the opening of Varosha and at the beginning of the exploratory contacts with Greece, shows that Ankara is still playing the role of provocateur.

Erdogan is not swayed by threats of sanctions

According to analysts, Turkey feels pressed by international pressure to sit at the table of exploratory contacts with Greece, discussing in the light of international law or considers that through the scenario of tension he can reap more benefits. Perhaps both dictate the moves of the Turkish leadership.

Everything shows that Erdogan does not seem to be swaying despite the threats of sanctions addressed by the EU Summit at the beginning of the month, setting as the deadline, at the latest, the next December Summit. 

The text of the conclusions of the Summit, which was finally agreed upon after many hours of negotiations, stated characteristically:

«20. Recalling and reaffirming its previous conclusions on Turkey in October 2019, in the event of new unilateral actions or challenges in violation of international law, the EU will use all available tools and options in accordance with Article 29 TEU and Article 215 TFEU. to defend its interests and those of its Member States. The European Council will continue to monitor developments closely, will return accordingly and will take appropriate decisions at the December Summit at the latest. "

Perhaps the most characteristic statement was made by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades, who stated that the new Turkish challenges should now create a crisis of appreciation on the part of Europeans, who still believe that with stupidity there will be a retreat of Turkish provocation.

New Turkish Navtex

Late Monday night, Turkey issued a new illegal Navtex with the aim of "canceling" the Greek one, which had come in response to the first Turkish one.

It is recalled that shortly after 10:00 in the morning Athens took another action to block the voyage of "Oruc Reis". As it became known, the station of Heraklion Crete of the Hellenic Navy hydrographic service issued an anti-Navtex on the occasion of the illegal Navtex of Turkey for the "Oruc Reis".