Turkey's search for oil and natural gas in waters that Greece considers to be Greek has once again raised the tone in the eastern Mediterranean. Earlier this week, Turkey sent the exploration vessel Oruc Reis in company with units from the Turkish navy to the area around the Greek island of Kastellorizo. Greece responded by sending armed military vessels.

The escalation has prompted France to increase its military presence in the area, in order to monitor the situation, according to a statement from President Emmanuel Macron's office.

Do not agree

Basically, the conflict is about who is entitled to the assets that are in the area. Kastellorizo ​​is located 570 kilometers from the Greek mainland and two kilometers from the Turkish coast. Greece claims that the Greek archipelago is entitled to territorial waters under international law, which Turkey dismisses.

According to Al Jazeera, Turkey's Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar, says it is absurd that an island as small as Kastellorizo ​​should give Greece the right to many times larger sea areas.

Germany mediated

In July, tensions in the area eased somewhat, after Germany entered and mediated between the countries.

Greece and Turkey both say they are not looking for an escalation of the conflict, but that they will defend what they feel they are entitled to.

This week, the issue will be discussed by the EU, which has so far given support to Greece.