Greece condemns Turkish regime’s decision to continue its seismic exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean

The Greek Foreign Ministry has condemned the Turkish regime’s decision to continue its seismic exploration in the disputed area of the Eastern Mediterranean, near the Greek islands of Rhodes and Kastellorizo, until 14 November.  

“Unfortunately, the new Navtex issued by Turkey for 1-14 November, reserving an area within the Greek continental shelf for the conduct of illegal seismic surveys, reconfirms yet again that Turkey is continuing to ignore the fundamental rules of International Law,” the ministry said on Sunday, according to Athens News Agency [AMNA].

“At the same time, this action creates further tension in a vulnerable region in which attention is now focused on the provision of assistance and on expressions of support and solidarity. These actions show once again that Turkey is continuing to act in defiance of the appeals of the international community, including the Conclusions of the October meeting of the European Council, which called on Turkey to cease these actions,” it added.

Greece reiterated its condemnation of this illegal conduct, which further undermines the prospect of a constructive dialogue and calls on Turkey to immediately retract the illegal Navtex it issued.

“In this context, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias issued instructions for a demarche to be made immediately to the Turkish side and for Greece’s allies and partners to be notified of Turkey’s ongoing provocative conduct,” it underlined.

Basma Qaddour