Foreign Ministry spokesman Gregory Delavekouras made the following statement today regarding the Turkish announcement of exploration by the Norwegian vessel “Bergen Surveyor”:
“Earlier today, a Turkish NAVTEX was issued on the carrying out of exploration from 15 September to 15 November by the Norwegian survey vessel “Bergen Surveyor” and accompanying vessels in a region that, according to the relevant provisions of international law, overlaps the Greek continental shelf south of Kastelorizo.
The Greek Embassy in Ankara was instructed to make a demarche to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, requesting abstention from any exploration activity that infringes Greek sovereign rights in the area.
At the same time, the Greek Embassy in Oslo was instructed to contact the company that owns the Norwegian survey vessel, as well as the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, to convey the relevant Greek positions.
The Foreign Ministry will continue to monitor the development of this issue, taking all necessary action.”
September 15, 2011