Turkish ship Oruc Reis to continue hydrocarbon exploration

The Antalya station issued a navigational telex (Navtex) late Thursday announcing that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will continue its seismic exploration mission in the sea area between southern Turkey and the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus through January 31.

Analysts say the Navtex is intended as a reminder by Ankara that its research vessel remains in the wider eastern Mediterranean basin where it has been conducting research (with some interruptions) over the past two-and-a-half months.

The move comes in the wake of Nicosia’s decision earlier this month to grant a license to ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum for hydrocarbon exploration in Section 5 of Cyprus’ declared exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which lies south, south-west of the island.

Yesterday, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, expressed satisfaction with the cross-party vote for the bill regarding the Greek-American Defense and Inter-Parliamentary Partnership. 

Mr. Dendias noted that the new law provides: "First, an allocation to the maximum extent from the US European Incentive Program to meet the needs of Greece's defense program.  Second, funding to Greece for the supply of defense equipment.  Third, authorizing the US President to expedite the delivery of any future F-35 aircraft to Greece.  Fourth, funding to provide training for the Greek Armed Forces.  And, fifth, the establishment of an inter-parliamentary group which will include Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the USA.