The Turkish research vessel “Oruc Reis” has returned to the Turkish port of Antalya after the internationally controversial exploration of natural gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean. Greece welcomed the end of the research. „This is a step in the right direction,“ said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today on Greek television (ERT).
His government is now demanding further steps from Turkey so that there can be a dialogue on the definition of exclusive economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean. Regarding the return of the ship, the Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on the Skai news channel: „It is a positive step.“ There was initially no reaction from the official Turkish side.
Use extended several times
The „Oruc Reis“ had been searching for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean off the Greek islands and west of Cyprus since the second week of August. The mission was extended several times and most recently until September 12th. A long smoldering dispute over natural gas between Greece and Turkey has reignited at the mission.
Ankara argues that the area in which the ship searches for natural gas belongs to the Turkish continental shelf and that the country has the right to exploitation. However, the Greek islands of Rhodes and Kastelorizo are in front of Turkey, which is why EU member Greece claims the sea area for itself. There is a similar conflict over the island of Cyprus, off whose coast rich natural gas reserves have already been discovered.
