Again, Turkey extends exploration ship mission E. Mediterranean

The Turkish Navy announced in a message via the Naval Warnings System, "Navtex" that the seismic monitoring vessel " Oruç Reis” will continue its mission until the middle of this month.

Sending the ship, which has become a symbol of Ankara's gas ambitions, has sparked an escalation of tensions with Athens in recent months.

Greece accuses Turkey of violating international maritime law by drilling in its waters, especially around the island of Kastelorizo, and demands European sanctions against Ankara.

Ankara withdrew the "Oruç Reis" ship in September from the region, before sending it back on October 12, thus extending its mission several times.

Athens has intensified its protests against sending the Turkish ship, denouncing "illegal activity" and considering it as a "direct threat to peace and security in the region."

The European Union gave Turkey until December to "review its approaches to the eastern Mediterranean", otherwise it will impose sanctions.

The dispute between Turkey and Europe escalated on August 10, when Turkey sent a ship to explore natural gas and warships to waters that it claims sovereignty with Greece.

J.O