Turkey is set to deploy a fourth ship to explore for gas and oil off the coast of Cyprus in defiance of EU sanctions imposed to end Ankara’s illegal operations around the island. The Turkish ship Fatih began drilling in May off the western coast of Cyprus within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in violation of international law. A second drill ship, Yavuz, is set to start operations shortly, while a Turkish exploration vessel, Barbaros Hayrettin, has been deployed south of Cyprus. The fourth ship, Oruc Reis, will be dispatched to Cyprus after completing work in the Sea of Marmara. Cyprus has been divided since Turkey occupied the north 45 years ago, following an attempted coup by the Athens military junta.

Source: The Irish Times July 18, 2019 16:41 UTC