Cyprus–Turkey maritime zones dispute

The United Kingdom has announced the extension of sanctions on persons involved in illegal drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, namely in Cyprus, beyond December 31, when the transitional period for the UK's formal exit from the European Union expires.

Ankara could be slapped with more European sanctions depending on the findings of an evaluation report on Turkey expected by March, a senior diplomatic official has told Kathimerini on condition of anonymity.

The European Union will impose sanctions on more Turkish individuals and companies responsible for drilling in contested waters in the Mediterranean, according to a draft statement prepared for EU leaders to agree at a summit on Thursday.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu sent letters on Aug. 13 to European Union foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell about recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey's approach on the issue.  

The letters came ahead of a EU Foreign Relations Council meeting on Aug. 14 at Greece's request.

Athens has accused Ankara of adopting a "selective interpretation" of international law after the country's foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, said that an agreement between Greece and Italy on maritime boundaries had confirmed the validity of Turkey's claims regarding maritime accords.

Turkey wants to solve all problems in the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus in accordance with international law, said the country's defense minister.

Hulusi Akar, flanked by Chief of General Staff Yaşar Güler and top military commanders, arrived at Turkey's border with Syria for a meeting on June 6. 

Turkish authorities have made parceling of the economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean under a deal sealed with Libya, and Ankara is getting ready for drilling activities in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on June 3.

As Turkey pushes to expand its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, has urged Ankara to respect the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus.

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, on Tuesday urged Turkey to respect the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus.
Asked about Turkish plans to begin hydrocarbon exploration near Greek islands, Borrell said said the EU was monitoring developments while being "in close contact" with Athens and Nicosia.

Turkey's Fatih drilling vessel is set to sail off to the Black Sea on May 29, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said at the inauguration ceremony of the Democracy end Freedoms Island. 

"Our Fatih drilling ship will cross the Bosphorus on 29 May and go to the Black Sea for a new drilling," he said on May 27.