Turkey has issued a new Navtex, TURNHOS N/W: 1262/20, for the Oruc Reis seismic exploration vessel to carry out activities south of the island of Kastellorizo until October 20.
Tensions flared last month after Ankara sent its Oruc Reis seismic survey ship into disputed waters, escorted by gunboats, to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling.
READ MORE: Turkey withdraws Oruc Reis navy ship, sends Barbaros to Cypriot waters instead.
The Oruc Reis had initially returned to the Turkish port of Antalya in mid-September, but Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said at the time that the vessel’s work would continue after a short break.
It seems the time has come to do just that despite Greece and Turkey agreeing to resume talks over their contested maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean after a four year hiatus.
READ MORE: Turkey, Greece agree to resume talks after four years.
