Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras made the following statement in response to journalists’ questions on oceanographic research being carried out in international waters by the Turkish vessel “Bilim 2”:
“On 9 May, Turkey’s Antalya station issued a NAVTEX to the effect that the Turkish research vessel “Bilim 2”, which belongs to the Institute of Marine Sciences of the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, would be carrying out oceanographic research from 10 to 14 May 2013 in international waters that overlap a section of 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.”
May 10, 2013