US asks Turkey to retract research ship from disputed waters amid Mediterranean tensions

United States on Tuesday, October 13 accused Turkey of indulging in “calculated provocation” after latter sent back its research ship to disputed waters in eastern Mediterranean. As per reports, after withdrawing  Oruc Reis research ship from water claimed by Greece, Ankara authorities sent it back on October 12. move has attracted flak from international community including Washington which has asked Ankara to withdraw ship.

As per Al Jazeera, ship conducted a seismic survey south of Greek island Kastellorizo, prompting anger from Greece, France and Germany. Meanwhile, US condemned decision saying that it unilaterally raised regional tensions. "In region and deliberately complicates resumption of crucial exploratory talks between our NATO Allies Greece and Turkey," US said in a statement. 

Re:  Greece Welcomes Turkish Survey Ship's Return To Med Sea Port

"Coercion, threats, intimidation, and military activity will t resolve tensions in Eastern Mediterranean. We urge Turkey to end this calculated provocation and immediately begin exploratory talks with Greece. Unilateral actions cant build trust and will t produce enduring solutions," statement re. 

Tensions between Greece and Turkey flared earlier this year after Turkey sent Oruc Reis research ship in search of potential oil and gas reserves into an area claimed by Greece. It also led to a military build-up in eastern Mediterranean region with both nations dispatching warships to area. However, NATO, which has cordial relations with both, intervened and organised talks between two countries in a bid to prevent a potential armed conflict.

Re: Turkey Sends Survey Vessel On Mission In Disputed Waters

Greece-Turkey tensions 

Greece and Turkey have faced off against each or in recent weeks as Turkish survey vessels and drillships continue to sail in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive ecomic rights. Greek and Turkish armed forces have been conducting military exercises in area in a show of muscle-flexing to underscore each side’s resolve.

Greece and Cyprus (both European Union members) accused Turkey of violating international law and of “gunboat diplomacy.” Meanwhile, Turkey insists it’s defending its rights and those of breakaway Turkish Cypriots on ethnically split Cyprus to ir rightful share of area’s potential gas deposits.

In recent developments, Greece has called upon European Union to "show its teeth" and impose tough ecomic sanctions against Turkey if country refuses to remove its military vessels and drillships from waters in eastern Mediterranean.  

Re: Turkey Sends Survey Vessel On Mission In Disputed Waters 

Re: Turkish Ship Leaves Disputed Area In Mediterranean; Greece Welcomes Decision

Im Credits: AP