Diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce tensions after Turkey and Greece both deployed warships in the maritime area of Kasos.
According to Kathimerini, the move came after the Italian-flagged research vessel Ievoli Relume had been sailing in the area to conduct research for the future deployment of undersea cables.
These cables would be for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), an electricity link between Crete and Cyprus.
“The Italian ship Ievoli Relume is conducting research for the deployment of underwater cables near Kasos,” diplomatic sources said.
“The deployment of Turkish Navy ships in the area, after the research ship sailed in international waters, led to the deployment of Greek warships as well.
“The necessary communications are taking place in anticipation of the completion of the research according to the existing schedule.”
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis told Skai radio that Greece is seeking dialogue but sovereign issues are not up for discussion.
In the past 24 hours, Turkey has deployed five warships just outside Greek territorial waters between the islands of Kasos and Karpathos.
At first, they had sent two frigates and a corvette when only one Greek ship, the gunboat Aittitos, was present.
Then the arrival of two Turkish missile cutters saw the Greek frigate Nikiforos Fokas sent to the area.
