Turkey issues yet another Navtex as vessel moves into Greek EEZ

Turkey has responded to a Greek navigational telex (Navtex) issued earlier Monday with an advisory saying that three Turkish research vessels are “conducting seismic survey in Turkey’s continental shelf… in accordance with international law.”

According to the latest Turkish Navtex, an “unauthorized station” has broadcast a message “in Turkish Navtex service area” – a reference to Greece’s earlier advisory.

The Greek advisory came after Turkey reserved an area south of the island of Kastellorizo for seismic research. The Greek counter-Navtex called on all vessels to disregard Ankara’s message.

Oruc Reis within Greek continental shelf

The Oruc Reis vessel is currently within the Greek continental shelf accompanied by Turkish naval units while forces of the Hellenic Navy are also in the area, Kathimerini understands.

The Turkish research vessel has taken out the cables in order to proceed with the next steps but, so far, is not conducting research, due to the noise caused by the presence of the Greek fleet in the area.

The Hellenic Navy is closely monitoring the Oruc Reis while every 15 minutes messages are broadcast requesting its removal from the area.

Mitsotakis briefs NATO chief on Turkish East Med activities

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a telephone call with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday amid the sharp increase in tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to Greek government sources, Mitsotakis briefed the NATO chief over Turkey’s activities in the region, saying that they undermine the stability of the alliance’s southeastern flank.

Mitsotakis said that NATO’s policy of equal distances in Greek-Turkish disputes is counterproductive and unacceptable, the same sources said.

Dendias speaks with German counterpart as tension rises in East Med

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias held a telephone conversation with his German counterpart Heiko Maas on Monday as tension increased sharply in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

According to a tweet by the Foreign Ministry, the conversation focused on “Turkey’s provocative actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey says Greek objection to its exploration work has no legal basis

Turkey dismissed Greek objections on Monday to its exploration work in the Εastern Mediterranean and said it would continue operations there.

The Foreign Ministry also said Turkey's military presence in the area was not designed to escalate tensions and was aimed only for defensive purposes if deemed necessary.