Turkey appears 'determined' to continue and expand its gas exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, including areas beyond the islands of Kastelorizo and Crete, citing the maritime deal signed with Libya.
"Because of our agreement with the official government of Libya, we will continue with seismic research and drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean but also in areas we agreed on with Libya," Turkish presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, announced this week.
“On this issue, I must stress that we are determined,” he said following a cabine meeting chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
An official response from Greece's side, came shortly after.
During a TV interview, when asked to comment on Mr. Kalin's announcement, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias publicly urged Turkey to refrain from the planned actions, giving the neighbouring country "a friendly advice to not go down this path".
