Turkey's Mediterranean Drilling Campaign Draws Criticism

https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/turkey-s-mediterranean-drilling-campaign-draws-protest


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...it is a rare moment when America and Russia find themselves on the same page, something to think about, never mind along with the EU, (and its individual members), Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel. And, there is a chair for Turkey, waiting, at the Tripartite meetings, that have taken place, and that are yet to take place, (Syria-Cyprus-Turkey, Cyprus-Turkey-Greece, e.g). But it requires from Erdogan a change in Intentions; he would rather, without Cyprus, have supremacy of the sea, (because he thinks he can), than be an equal among equals.

...I am hopeful because so much progress has gone so far in such a short time, among what are normally hostile adversaries, in such a cooperative spirit, 'but one'. While in the greater scheme of things it represents something small, not much else provides more Hope in this region.

...consider, what Erdogan claims, having tossed the Treaty of Lausanne "out the window", as he said: what is Turkey's "Continental Shelf"; it extends from Italian shores to its neighbour Syria in the east. Cyprus, an island on this shelf may have territorial waters but no "EEZ", southward thus, only Libya, and Egypt may lay claims. Greece too may make claim beyond this shelf; but in the Aegean such as it is, that too is open for change. Indeed, he expects the unity that is shown (now, and for almost a century,) will fall apart, that the Agreements, already made, will be betrayed. In any case, if he can delay exploration work, he is a step ahead in his desire to disrupt the balance of power as it is. This, is more of that. I fear he will go too far.