Turkey extends seismic survey work in disputed Mediterranean area

The Oruc Reis ship's mission was expected to finish its survey work by November 23

Turkish seismic research vessel Oruc Reis sails in the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, October 3, 2018. Picture taken October 3, 2018. Reuters.

Turkey says it is extending the seismic survey work being carried out by its Oruc Reis ship in a disputed part of the eastern Mediterranean until November 29, a move that could add to tensions in the region.

Nato members Turkey and Greece are locked in a dispute over the extent of their continental shelves and conflicting claims to hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

The row erupted in August when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis into waters also claimed by Greece and Cyprus.

It had been expected to finish its survey work by November 23, but a Turkish naval maritime notice said on Saturday the vessel would continue work in an area west of Cyprus for six days longer.

Ankara pulled the vessel out in September to allow for diplomacy with Greece, but then sent it back to the area, prompting an angry reaction from Greece, France and Germany.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey had acted patiently on the eastern Mediterranean issue despite what he called provocations by Greece and Greek Cypriots.

“EU accusations ... about our determined research and drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean to protect Turkey’s rights and Turkish Cypriot interests do not reflect history, law and reality,” Mr Erdogan said in a speech.