ugc_banner

Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea

WION
New DelhiEdited By: Palki SharmaUpdated: Aug 13, 2020, 11:01 PM IST
main img
Photograph:(AFP)

Story highlights

Last week Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters. Turkey called the agreement null and void.

A fight between two countries is generating political high waves in the Mediterranean.

Greece and Turkey are involved in a political tsunami. They are united by NATO and separated by the Mediterranean Sea. Both nations are fighting over hydrocarbon resources.

Hydrocarbons are principal constituents of petroleum and natural gas. They are also used in the production of plastic, fibres, rubbers, solvents, explosives and industrial chemicals.

Both Turkey and Greece claim hydrocarbon resources in the gas-rich eastern Mediterranean. Greece and Turkey have conflicting views on how far their continental shelves extend.

Last week Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters. Turkey called the agreement null and void. Soon Turkey dispatched its seismic survey vessel Oruc Reis which was accompanied by naval warships.

The Orus Reis is exploring an area close to Greek island Kastell-Orizo. Greece has responded by deploying warships. On August 12, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis dialled French President Macron. France sent a warship and two Rafale jets to the eastern Mediterranean.

Greece also called for an emergency EU meeting which will take place on Friday. The foreign minister of Greece, Nikos Dendias met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as the US urged both sides to talk.

"The path to a solution in the eastern Mediterranean is via dialogue and negotiation. We are not chasing any unnecessary adventures or seeking tensions," President Tayyip Erdogan said.