Diplomatic efforts to decrease tensions as Turkey deploys warships near Kassos
Efforts through diplomatic channels to reduce tensions in the Aegean are underway on Tuesday, as Turkey deployed warships in the maritime area of Kassos.
The move came as the Italian-flagged research vessel Ievoli Relume has been sailing in the area to conduct research for the future deployment of undersea cables for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), an electricity link between Crete and Cyprus.
“The Italian ship Ievoli Relume is conducting research for the deployment of underwater cables near Kassos. The deployment of Turkish Navy ships in the area, after the research ship sailed in international waters, led to the deployment of Greek warships as well,” said diplomatic sources.
“The necessary communications are taking place in anticipation of the completion of the research according to the existing schedule,” the sources added.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told Skai radio that while Greece is seeking dialogue, sovereign issues are not up for discussion.
As Kathimerini revealed Tuesday, Turkey has deployed five warships in the past 24 hours, just outside Greek territorial waters between the islands of Kassos and Karpathos, in the southeastern Aegean, under the pretext that the Turkish continental shelf has been violated.
Initially, Turkey sent two frigates and a corvette, while only one Greek ship, the gunboat Aittitos, was present. The arrival of two Turkish missile cutters prompted the appearance of the Greek frigate Nikiforos Fokas.
After 7.00 p.m. on Monday, two more missile boats of the Turkish navy arrived in the area. Athens decided not to escalate, so a coastguard open sea patrol vessel was sent to the area.
