The two neighbours have seen frequent flare-ups, but this latest spat over gas reserves and maritime rights has prompted fears that tensions could escalate further. Image copyright Reuters Image caption This Turkish drilling ship, Fatih, went into operation off Cyprus last yearWhy the flare-up? Several licences have already been issued to Turkish Petroleum to drill in the Eastern Med, including off the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete. Greece argues that the Turkish survey ship that set sail from Antalya is encroaching on its continental shelf, pointing to a large area off the Greek island of Kastellorizo, 2km from the Turkish mainland. French President Emmanuel Macron has given Cyprus and Greece his full backing, condemning Turkey's "violations of their sovereignty".

Source: Libya Today July 22, 2020 16:54 UTC