September 21 (SeeNews) - Turkey issued a navigational telex (Navtex) informing that it is extending the operations of its seismic research vessel Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa near Cyprus by a month until October 20, further heightening tensions with its maritime neighbour Greece and the European Union.
The M/V Tanux-1 and R/V Apollo Moon vessels will accompany Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa in its operations, according to the Navtex issued on Friday by Turkey's office of navigation, hydrography and oceanography.
Earlier on Friday the office also issued two Navtexes for “firing exercises” in the Aegean Sea over the weekend, Greek newspaper Ekatimerini reported.
The moves come days after Turkey extended the drilling operations of its Yavuz vessel off Cyprus. Turkey argues that Cypriots in Northern Cyprus, a country only recognized by Turkey, should have a share in earnings from Cyprus' drilling.
Tensions with Greece flared after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis ship to conduct a seismic survey in search for natural gas in territorial waters in the eastern Mediterranean claimed by Greece.
The European Parliament on Thursday urged Turkey to immediately end "illegal exploration and drilling activities" in the Eastern Mediterranean, calling on the European Council to stand ready to develop further sanctions against Ankara at an upcoming meeting.
Last week, leaders of seven EU Mediterranean states said that the EU is ready to draw a list of restrictive measures against Turkey that could be discussed at the European Council meeting on September 24-25 if Ankara does not cease its "unilateral and illegal activities" in the eastern Mediterranean and resume dialogue with Greece and Cyprus.