Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras stated the following in response to journalists’ questions regarding oceanographic exploration by the Turkish vessel “Bilim2” in international waters:
“On 18 March, Turkey’s Antalya station broadcast a NAVTEX to the effect that the Turkish oceanography vessel “Bilim2”, with belongs to the Institute of Marine Sciences of Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, would be carrying out oceanographic research from 18 to 21 March 2013, in international waters, a section of which overlaps the Greek continental shelf.
The carrying out of marine science research in waters over the Greek continental shelf requires prior notification, with the provision of all relevant data to the Greek authorities. As there was no such notification from the Turkish side, the Greek Embassy in Ankara was instructed to act accordingly.”
March 20, 2013