Turkish MFA: EU sanctions will not force Turkey to stop exploration work in Eastern Mediterranean

The EU sanctions will not stop Turkey, and it will continue to carry out exploration work in the Eastern Mediterranean, Trend reports referring to Turkish Foreign Ministry.

It is noted in the message of the Foreign Ministry that the sanctions imposed by the EU against Turkey prove yet again that the EU adheres to double standards.

Earlier, the foreign ministers of EU member states approved sanctions against Turkey in connection with the exploration of hydrocarbon deposits in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The sanction measures, among other things, include reduction in EU funding for Turkey and the termination of negotiations on an air service agreement.

At the same time, if Turkey continues to insist on its position, other sanctions may be applied, including restrictive measures against companies or individuals involved in the exploration of deposits.

On Monday, July 8, Turkey sent a second drilling vessel called Yavuz to the Karpas Peninsula on the northern tip of Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriots issued a permit for the right to work in this area to the Turkish state oil company.

The EU criticized Turkey on July 16 for drilling plans in the area, warning that it was preparing "appropriate measures."

However, the Turkish Minister of Energy Fatih Donmez said that the search for hydrocarbon reserves will continue. "We will carry out drilling activities based on our legal rights,” Donmez said.