Athens keeps eye on Turkey's East Med actions

The European Union has expressed its "grave concern" and pledged to "respond appropriately and in full solidarity" with Cyprus in response to Turkey's plans to conduct drilling operations within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Turkey's moves have raised concerns in Athens of a renewed period of tension over the summer, as they come during a protracted election period in Greece, with all the vulnerabilities that entails.

The Greek Foreign Ministry also denounced Turkey's decision and called on Ankara to "immediately cease its illegal activities, to respect Cyprus's inalienable sovereign rights and  to desist from further actions that undermine stability in the region."

Analysts note that the location where Turkey's Fatih vessels plans to drill off Cyprus' western coast was chosen deliberately, as it could challenge the position of Greece and Cyprus that they...