Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Turkey extends gas exploration in disputed Greek, Cypriot waters

After the “Oruç Reis” survey vessel returned to the eastern Mediterranean, countries criticized the move.

Turkey's Oruç Reis research vessel. Source: ekathimerini.com.
Turkey’s Oruç Reis research vessel. Source: ekathimerini.com.

Turkey announced on Wednesday that it is extending gas exploration in Greek and Cypriot waters until Oct. 27.

According to the Turkish Navy, the survey ship, Oruc Reis, and two other vessels, the Ataman and Cengiz Han, will also continue work in the disputed maritime zone, which is southeast of the Greek island of Rhodes, Reuters reported.

Turkey pulled the Oruç Reis back last month ahead of a European Union summit during which Cyprus pushed for sanctions against Ankara. After it returned to the eastern Mediterranean Sea this month to explore energy resources in Greek and Cypriot waters, Greece, France and Germany criticized the move.

On Wednesday, Greece tried to get the European Union to rethink its Customs Union agreement with Turkey, according to the report.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in September that the United States is concerned about Turkey’s actions in the area.

The Birmingham Public Schools superintendent condemned the “inappropriate and offensive” stickers, stating that the district does “not tolerate intimidation, bullying, threats, discrimination or antisemitism in our schools.”
“Sadly, the embassy has faced various security alerts in recent times,” the Metropolitan Police stated.
“My team has been in direct contact with state and federal partners as we work to confirm the whereabouts and conditions of these New Yorkers,” the New York City mayor said.
At a Park Slope Food Coop meeting about boycotting Israel, a member, who reportedly compared Jews to Nazis, was applauded for saying that “Jewish supremacism is a problem in this country.”
“Lebanon stands at a crossroads,” the diplomatic mission said, calling for a meeting between the two countries’ leaders.
Jerusalem says two suspects will be brought to Israel for questioning.