Concerns intensify over Turkish activity in region
With concerns rising about a possible "incident" in the Eastern Mediterranean or Aegean, Ankara appears to be stepping up its efforts to entrench its presence in the region.
The drillship Fatih is already in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Turkish authorities have indicated that a second vessel, the Yavuz, will also be dispatched to the region in due course.
Alongside Greek and Cypriot concerns in the Eastern Mediterranean, Athens is concerned about a possible move by Ankara to reiterate its demands south of Kastellorizo, within Greece's continental shelf.
According to sources, a decision has yet to be taken as to how Athens will respond in the event that Ankara sends a research vessel into the area.
Publicly meanwhile Greek officials are attempting to avoid the escalation of tensions, with Defense Minister Evangelos Apostolakis insisting that a second round of exploratory talks between Greek and Turkish officials will go ahead as scheduled on June 19-22.
Apostolakis' recent visit to the US drew positive comments from American officials as it was reportedly seen as a sign of maturity from the Greek side despite looming snap elections.
It is regarded as no coincidence that the recent spike in Turkish activity in the Eastern Mediterranean comes amid a degeneration in US-Turkish ties.
