‘No need for discussion,’ says Erdogan as Turkey restarts drilling in eastern Mediterranean

·

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the eastern Mediterranean as Greece had not kept its promises regarding such activities in the region.

NATO members Turkey and Greece have long been at loggerheads over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources and tensions flared up last month, prompting German Chancellor Angela Merkel to hold talks with the country’s leaders to ease tensions.

“We have started drilling work again,” Erdogan told reporters after participating in Friday prayers at the Hagia Sophia mosque. “There’s no need for discussion with those who have no rights, especially in maritime zones,”

Erdogan speaking in front of the press before the conversion of Hagia Sophia.

He said Turkey’s Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa, a seismic survey vessel, had been sent to the region to carry out its duties. The ship moved into waters off Cyprus in late July and remains in that region.

Erdogan made the comments when asked about an accord signed by Egypt and Greece on Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean.

Turkish drilling vessel Yavuz is escorted by Turkish Navy frigate TCG Gemlik (F-492) in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea off the island of Cyprus, Aug. 6, 2019.

Diplomats in Greece said their agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya.

However, Erdogan said the Egypt-Greece accord was of no value and that Turkey would sustain its agreement with Libya “decisively”. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has said the Egypt-Greece zone falls in the area of Turkey’s continental shelf.

Sourced By: Reuters

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Channel Nine and reporter Josh Bavas hit back after Bob Katter MP outburst

Channel Nine has condemned federal MP Bob Katter’s behaviour after a fiery press conference where he threatened journalist Josh Bavas.

Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza denies IDF evacuation order

Reports of an evacuation order for the Greek Orthodox Church of St Porphyrius in Gaza City have sparked confusion,

Historic night for Greek football as Panathinaikos, PAOK and AEK qualify for Europe

Panathinaikos, PAOK and AEK Athens all secured their places in the League Phase of European competition. Read more here.

Champions League 2025: Olympiacos braced for demanding League Phase

Olympiacos face a daunting challenge in this season’s UEFA Champions League after being drawn against some of Europe’s elite clubs.

Maria Sakkari storms into US Open third round with dominant win

Maria Sakkari has advanced to the third round of the US Open after an impressive straight-sets victory over Hungary’s Ana Bondar, 6–3, 6–1.

You May Also Like

Greek men’s water polo team claim spot in first-ever world championship grand final

Greece is into its first-ever grand final at the World Aquatics Championship after defeating Serbia 13 - 7 on Thursday night in Japan.

Greek PM applauds diaspora’s ‘invaluable contribution’ in New Year’s address

Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted that the Greek diaspora made an "invaluable contribution" to the nation's progress. 

Footballer Terry Antonis signs for Melbourne City FC

Midfielder, Terry Antonis has signed for Melbourne City FC for the 2023/24 season, bringing added experience to the squad.