Turkey set to carry out seismic survey in eastern Mediterranean

Turkey set to carry out seismic survey in eastern Mediterranean

The move is likely to revive tensions with Greece over claims for hydrocarbon resources.

President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey resumed energy exploration in the region because Greece had not kept its promises on a Navtex advisory last month. (AP pic)
ISTANBUL:
Turkey’s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with Nato ally Greece.

The two countries are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region.

A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month caused a row which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

However, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus.

Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram

Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.