Türkiye says French-flagged vessel plans unauthorised research in Eastern Mediterranean
Turkey objected to the planned seabed surveys, saying the French vessel lacks permission and the work overlaps areas it claims on its continental shelf.
- On Monday, the French research vessel Abeille Marengo began seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector between Crete and Cyprus, prompting Turkey to issue a counter-Navtex claiming the route lies on its continental shelf.
- Ankara claims the survey area falls under its continental shelf, citing a dispute over whether islands generate a full exclusive economic zone . Greece and Cyprus maintain that islands generate a full EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea .
- Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stressed on Monday that the project is 'proceeding according to plan' and that a diplomatic 'note verbale' sent to Ankara 'does not constitute recognition' of Turkey's claims.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan dismissed concerns, stating 'everything is normal, everything is good,' while reports indicate Turkish Akinci drones conducted surveillance circuits south of Karpathos, suggesting active monitoring of the vessel.
- Authorized through March 6, 2027, the seabed surveys are critical for the GSI, a strategic investment intended to strengthen energy self-sufficiency. A second Cyprus Navtex enters into force on November 19, highlighting coordination between Athens and Greece.
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108 Articles
Greece-Cyprus Cable Project Enters Its Most Critical Phase Yet
ATHENS – The Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project is entering a critical phase, as Athens moves to restart surveys ahead of the laying of the submarine cable, while Turkey disputes Greek jurisdiction and warns of a possible escalation of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The next decisive step is expected on November 9 or 10, when the French survey vessel Abeille Marengo is scheduled to depart from Heraklion and begin operation…
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan appeared reassuring after the NAVTEX on the French vessel's investigations in the Eastern Mediterranean, stressing that everything is normal The post "Ankara's internal management does not concern us" is Athens' comment on Fidan's statements on the Navtex on the cable appeared first on in.gr.
French research vessel Abeille Marengo set to sail for cable surveys
The French research vessel Abeille Marengo is set to sail from Heraklion to begin seabed surveys for the electricity cable between Greece and Cyprus. The Marengo is due to head for the Greek island of Kasos, south of Karpathos, for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. Greek reports say the work will be monitored remotely […]
Breaking news - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding an attempt by a French-flagged vessel to operate in Türkiye's continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ministry stated that the consent process, which must be obtained from Türkiye, has not yet been completed. The statement added that the vessel...
Türkiye says French-flagged vessel plans unauthorised research in Eastern Mediterranean
The Foreign Ministry stresses that the process of obtaining the country's consent has not yet been completed for the portion of the planned activities falling within its continental shelf.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a French-flagged vessel plans to conduct marine scientific research in the Turkish continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean for the purpose of laying cables. The Ministry stated that the consent process, which must be obtained from Türkiye, has not been completed, and that Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration have also expressed their opposition.
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