Turkey has reduced the number of navy vessels in an area of the East Mediterranean where it disputes Greek jurisdiction over oil and gas drilling rights, Greek authorities said Monday.
Tensions in the long-standing dispute flared last week between the two NATO allies when Turkey announced it planned to send a research vessel south of the Greek islands of Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kastellorizo.
RELATED: Greek armed forces on high alert as Turkey announce plans to explore sea south of Kastellorizo.
The initiative was publicly criticised by the United States, France and other European countries, and the Turkish research vessel, the Oruc Reis, has remained anchored off the southeast Turkish port of Antalya.
Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said Monday that Turkey was withdrawing navy vessels from the area, adding that Athens remained ready to enter negotiations with Turkey “within the framework of international law and good neighborly relations.”
Turkey accuses Greece of trying to exclude it from fair mineral exploitation in the East Mediterranean, arguing that Greek islands should not be included in calculating exclusive economic zones. Athens counters that Turkey’s position is a violation of international law.
Turkey says the research mission plan will remain in effect through Aug. 2.
READ MORE: Greece’s Navy to conduct live-fire exercise near Kastellorizo.
Source: Ekathimerini.
