TURKEY has again extended a research ship’s search for gas in contested waters of the eastern Mediterranean in defiance of calls from the west to pull back the vessel.

The navy said in a message on the international maritime alert system NAVTEX late yesterday that the Oruc Reis would stay in the region until November 4. 

It had previously said it would remain until Tuesday.

The Oruc Reis, escorted by military ships, has become the symbol of Ankara’s quest for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, where recent discoveries have triggered a rush for the resource.

Athens says Ankara is breaking international law by prospecting in Greek waters.

Turkey in August sent the exploratory ship into contested waters, alarming both Cyprus and Greece, which carried out military drills.

Tensions subsided after Turkey withdrew the ship for what it said was maintenance work and agreed to exploratory talks with Greece.

But Ankara then sent the ship back into the area, angering Greece which said there could be no talks until it is withdrawn.

The United States this month called the Turkish move a “calculated provocation” and demanded that Ankara withdraw the vessel. – AFP, October 25, 2020.