The recent withdrawal of the Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis from disputed waters in the Eastern Mediterranean is an important step paving the way for a meaningful dialogue between Greece and Turkey, European Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) Spokesman Peter Stano said late on Wednesday.
But, he added, the extension of the Navtex for the Yavuz drilling vessel within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone will fuel further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“Turkey’s announcement on Tuesday of the extension of the Navtex for the Yavuz drilling vessel will fuel further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean at a moment when there is an opportunity to pursue immediate de-escalation, and resume dialogue and negotiations, which is the only path towards lasting solutions”, the spokesman said.
He then sent the message to Turkey that the EU also calls for a similar decisions as concerns Cyprus.
EU-member Cyprus is divided since a 1974 invasion by Turkey which still occupied the northern part of the Mediterranean island.
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