Turkish Oceanographic Vessel “Piri Reis” entered the Greek continental shelf without permission northwest of the island of Mytilini, opposite the Turkish mainland. A fact that has angered Greece that instructed its diplomatic representation in Ankara to submit a diplomatic note.
“Late on the afternoon of 21 March 2010, the Turkish research vessel “Piri Reis” entered a region of the Greek continental shelf northwest of Mytilini.
In coordination with the Hellenic Coast Guard, the necessary actions are being taken, and the Greek Embassy in Ankara has been instructed to make representations to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.” (Greek Foreign Ministry)
Piri Reis is a research and oceanographic vessel that under this capacity conducts hydrocarbon researches mostly in the area of southeast Mediterranean Sea. However, Piri Reis does often enters the territorial waters of Greece and Cyprus provoking diplomatic reactions.
Ah, now we know for sure that Spring has begun: the Piri Reis has woken up and is strolling through the neighbourhood again. 😉
This, together with the frequent violations of Greek airspace by Turkish fighters, shows that despite improvments to the relationship between the neighbors, still not all is well in the Aegian region. As long as the Turks don’t stop such stupid provocations there can’t be any real trust of their determination for a peaceful coexistence.
🙁