Turkish claims in East Med unveiled in maps

With drilling under way in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone, Kathimerini has seen seven maps outlining Turkey's claims in the Eastern Mediterranean, revealing its intentions in the region.

The maps, which have been cited in recent weeks by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, suggest that any others in the region considering the demarcation of maritime regions would have to consult with Turkey first.

However, the delineations on the maps only take into consideration Turkey and the mainlands of other countries facing its shores - ignoring the islands in between, such Rhodes, Karpathos and Crete, not to mention Cyprus.

The maps were created between 2010 and 2012, before Cyprus's demarcation agreements with Egypt in 2003, Lebanon in 2007 and Israel in 2010.

These deals allowed Cyprus to delimit its exclusive economic zone in its southern and...