TURKEY

Cypriot government sources have revealed that three Turkish warships - two frigates and a corvette - are in the area southwest of Cyprus in order to block the Nautical Geo research vessel.

Greece and Cyprus must undertake initiatives that transcend the usual ones, initiatives that can boldly meet the needs of Cyprus and its residents, regardless of ethnic descent.

“It is one more provocation in Turkey’s series of provocations,” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas told reporters. “I hope the incident is not repeated in the future.”

The Eastern Mediterranean was high on the agenda of Pompeo’s talks as Greece, the US, France and other nations have slammed Ankara’s military moves in the region, as were Turkish Aegean provocations.

The PM said that his views coincide with those of the European Council president, pointing out that "the EU's geopolitical and strategic interests are at stake here".

Turkey unilaterally abrogated its responsibilities linked to the 2016 EU-Turkey statement. It also sought to use human beings as pawns in an attempt to blackmail the EU. This is the same union that Turkey still aspires to join, or so it says.