Turkey says will continue controversial energy exploration in eastern Mediterranean
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will continue energy exploration in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, ramping up tensions with Greece and the entire European Union (EU).
Erdogan made the remark on a visit to a new solar panel production plant in the capital, Ankara, on Wednesday. He said no country could deprive Turkey of the right to the energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.
“We’re 100 percent right on this issue,” the Turkish president said. “If we give in to the pirates, we will not be able to look future generations in the face. We cannot leave to our children a country unable to defend its own rights, lacking self-confidence.”
Erdogan said that Turkey would not be lectured by “colonialist” powers — an apparent reference to France — and would defend “its rights until the end.”
Turkey has been involved in a territorial dispute with Greece and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. It has sailed seismic research vessels and escorting warships in waters disputed there. Greece has dispatched its own military vessels to the area.
As tensions rose, France announced earlier this month that it would be reinforcing its own military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in clear signaling of support for Greece.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for EU sanctions against Ankara for “violations” of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty over their territorial waters.
Last Sunday, the EU also warned Turkey to “immediately” stop its oil and gas exploration activities in the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey had paused the research activities on a request from Germany but restarted them after a maritime agreement was signed between Greece and Egypt. Ankara described that agreement as “worthless” and an attempt to keep Turkey out of the region.
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