Ankara is making its intentions clear regarding the continuation of the seabed surveys planned by Athens and Paris using a French-flagged vessel.
Citing the Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding, the Spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Defense made it clear that Turkey considers this specific area to fall within the territory claimed by Ankara.
ZEKI AKTÜRK—Spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of National Defense“
Under international law, activities such as laying cables or pipelines and conducting surveys on our continental shelf must be coordinated with us in advance. In this context, illegal activities that disregard our country’s rights and interests are unacceptable. “Turkey will continue to resolutely protect its rights and interests in its maritime zones.”
The statement did not go unanswered by the Greek side.
PAVLOS MARINAKIS—Government Spokesperson for Greece: “We want
dialogue, but we neither accept threats nor make them ourselves. We respect international law, and every action we take is aimed at strengthening the country at all levels.”
The government, however, has included a relevant budget allocation in the state budget in case the bathymetric surveys proceed.
MAKIS KERAVNOS—Minister of Finance: “That’s
the 25 million euros we allocate every year.”
The Speaker of the House also commented
on the matter during the presentation of the state budget.
ANNITA DIMITRIOU—Speaker of the House: “At
the end of the day, we want to know whether or not things will move forward. That is the crux of the matter, and we want a clear answer at last.”
In ADMIE’s announcement yesterday regarding its interim financial statements for 2026, it is noted that the construction of 513 kilometers of submarine and 10 kilometers ofground cables, while, as noted, marine surveys and project work are continuing.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
See the report by Neoklis Neokleous:
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