Turkey issues new Navtex for seismic research vessel Oruç Reis

* Photo & News: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Turkey has issued a Navtex (navigational telex) announcing an extension to the Oruç Reis's research activities with the Cengiz Han and Ataman vessels.

Earlier this month, Turkey announced that the ship would conduct research in the Eastern Mediterranean until August 23, 2020. 

Navtex is a maritime communications system that allows ships to inform other vessels about their presence in an area, as well as other information.

Turkey resumed energy exploration earlier this month in the Eastern Mediterranean after Greece and Egypt signed a controversial maritime delimitation deal. The agreement came days after Ankara said it would postpone its oil and gas exploration as a goodwill gesture.

But, after declaring the Greek-Egyptian deal "null and void," Turkey authorized the Oruç Reis to continue its activities in an area within Turkey's continental shelf. Turkey has been opposing Greece's efforts to declare an exclusive economic zone based on small islands near Turkey's shores.

Ankara has also said that energy resources near Cyprus must be shared fairly between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus.

President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that the only solution to the dispute was through dialogue and negotiation, urging Athens to respect Turkey's rights. (PT/SD)