Turkey launches new army workout routines in japanese Mediterranean

 Turkey launches new army workout routines in japanese Mediterranean

Turkey deployed a research vessel into Greek waters on August 10, inflicting the present spike in tensions. — AFP/Files

ISTANBUL: Turkey on Saturday introduced new military manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean expected to last two weeks, in a sign that heightened tensions between Ankara and Athens were more likely to proceed.

The long-running rivalry between Greece and Turkey has reignited a conflict over maritime boundaries and fuel drilling rights, with the 2 neighbors staging rival naval drills.

In a message on NAVTEX, the world maritime navigational telex machine, Turkey stated it might carry out "taking pictures workouts" from Saturday till September 11 in a zone off the southern Turkish the city of Anamur, north of the island of Cyprus.

Ankara already introduced on Thursday that army exercises would take place on Tuesday and Wednesday in a zone further east.

In an indication of the volatility of the location, Turkey's defence ministry said Friday that fighter jets had on Thursday intercepted six Greek airplane that have been approaching a zone the place a Turkish analysis send was once deployed, forcing them to turn round.

It used to be the deployment of the Turkish analysis vessel Oruc Reis into Greek waters on August 10 that caused the present spike in tensions.

The EU on Friday warned Turkey it would face contemporary sanctions — together with difficult economic measures — unless growth is made in lowering hovering tensions.

Turkey responded angrily to the warning.

"Turkey is not going to hesitate to shield its pursuits," he stated.