The Ministry of National Defense (MoND) has categorically denied claims circulating in the Greek press that Turkish elements harassed ships in the Aegean Sea. The Ministry emphasized that activities in the region are being closely monitored and that Türkiye’s rights within its maritime jurisdiction areas are being resolutely protected.
Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor to the Ministry of National Defense, addressed the latest situation in the Aegean Sea and the allegations reported in the Greek media during a briefing. Aktürk stated that Greece’s unilateral initiatives in the region are being prevented within the framework of international law.
“Ocean Link” Vessel Under Close Surveillance
Sharing details regarding the Panama-flagged cable-laying vessel Ocean Link, which has been at the center of the “harassment of ships” allegations reported by the Greek press, Rear Admiral Aktürk noted that the vessel’s activities are being monitored moment by moment. The Ministry’s statement included the following remarks:
“The activities related to the laying of optical cables by the Panama-flagged cable-laying vessel Ocean Link, for which navigational warnings have been issued by Greece, are being closely monitored. Contrary to the claims made in the Greek press, there has been no harassment of the said vessel by Türkiye.”
Message of Determination in Maritime Jurisdiction Areas
The Ministry’s spokesperson drew attention to Greece’s attempts to disregard Türkiye’s rights and interests arising from its maritime jurisdiction areas in the Aegean Sea. It was emphasized that such unilateral attempts are being rendered ineffective through Türkiye’s timely and lawful interventions.
The statement underlined Türkiye’s determination to protect its rights both in the field and at the negotiating table, once again confirming that reports aimed at disinformation do not reflect the truth.
Background: What Were the Greek Media’s Allegations?
According to reports in the Greek press, the Ocean Link vessel, which was laying a fiber-optic cable between the islands of Amorgos (Yamurgi) and Astypalaia (Astipalya) in the Aegean Sea, encountered the Turkish Navy.
The allegations claimed that a Turkish Navy frigate issued a radio warning to the Ocean Link vessel from a distance of 15 nautical miles, stating that the area fell under Ankara’s jurisdiction and requesting that the operation be halted. It was further alleged that the ship’s captain responded by stating that a NAVTEX issued by the Heraklion hydrographic station was valid until January 7 and that the vessel would continue its activities.
SOURCE: C4Defence / Turkish MoD
