Icon: enlarge
The research ship "Oruc Reis" accompanied by Turkish warships
Photo: - / dpa
Seen soberly, it is about a research ship that cruises in the eastern Mediterranean.
In fact, however, the "Oruc Reis" maneuvers are an expression of a gas dispute that has what it takes to escalate a military conflict between Turkey and Greece.
The exploration ship "Oruc Reis" sent by Turkey has the mission to search for gas deposits south of the Greek island of Kastelorizo and should actually have withdrawn on Thursday.
But now Turkey has extended the ship's mission.
The Turkish Navy announced on Thursday that the ship will remain on site until next Tuesday.
The mission was extended despite the recent increase in international pressure on Ankara to give in to the gas dispute.
At their summit in Brussels last Friday, the EU heads of state and government appealed to Turkey to refrain from "renewed unilateral and provocative actions" and to show willingness to talk.
The summit participants again expressed their "full solidarity" with Greece and Cyprus in the gas dispute.
Sovereign dispute over rich gas reserves
In addition to Turkey, the two EU members also lay claim to the sea area concerned.
Rich gas deposits had been discovered there, and since then there have been fierce arguments about their exploitation.
The government in Athens argues that the "Oruc Reis" crosses in Greek territory, which is why Ankara is violating international law with these missions.
The "Oruc Reis" has been in the disputed area once again since the beginning of last week.
The reconnaissance ship was first sent into these waters in August, where it stayed for several weeks.
The temporary retrieval of the "Oruc Reis" had raised hopes that the crisis would be defused, which was then dashed by the ship's new mission.
Ankara and Athens have also made their position clear by sending warships.
This has heightened concerns in the EU that the dispute could lead to a military conflict between NATO partners.
Icon: The mirror
mrc / dpa
