The seismic vessel Oruc Reis, which has been surveying a vast area between Crete and Cyprus for three weeks, will continue its activities at least until 12 September

Turkey announced on Tuesday, amid escalating tensions with Greece over jurisdictions in the eastern Mediterranean, which extends its controversial hydrocarbon exploration activities in the disputed area for ten days.

The seismic vessel Oruç Reis, which for three weeks has been surveying a vast sea area between Crete and Cyprus, will continue its activities until at least September 12, the maritime warning service Navtex reported.

Turkey claims that the ship is being operated in a maritime sector and it’s an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), amid protests from Greece and Cyprus, who consider that these waters, being closer to their shores fall within their jurisdiction.

The European Union (EU) supports the Athens position in principle and is weighing sanctions against Turkey, but has repeatedly called on both countries to negotiate.

Last Friday, the EU foreign ministers decided to expand the list of individuals (private, not civil servants) sanctioned for their involvement in the Turkish surveys in the eastern Mediterranean, which Brussels has described as illegal. The community measure could be approved this month.