EU criticizes Turkish energy exploration in Mediterranean

Greece and Turkey have had a complicated relationship throughout history. The two countries had a population exchange following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, for example. With Cyprus, the island is divided into the Republic of Cyprus, which is predominantly ethnically Greek, and Northern Cyprus, which has mostly ethnic Turks and is only recognized by Turkey.

The Turkish government released a statement Tuesday saying Turkey and Northern Cyprus have rights to drill in the waters. “Protection of our country’s rights and interests in land, sea, and air will continue without any compromise,” read the statement, according to the pro-government newspaper Daily Sabah.

Borrell said the EU is in close contact with Greece and Cyprus and that their complaints are of the “utmost importance,” according to Kathimerini. 

Opposition to Turkey on the issue is also related to international disagreements involving Libya. Last month, Greece, Cyprus, France, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt issued a joint statement condemning Turkey’s maritime actions. Turkey in turn called the countries an “alliance of evil.”

The United Arab Emirates and Egypt back Gen. Khalifa Hifter’s Libyan National Army against Turkey’s ally, the Government of National Accord, in Libya. France has also reportedly supported Hifter clandestinely.