MEPs to Debate 'Persistent Turkish Provocations' in Eastern Mediterranean

Members of the European Parliament will debate 'persistent Turkish provocations' in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean seas on Thursday. The debate, opened by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, will examine ongoing tensions, including Turkey's actions and rhetoric in the context of respecting international law and good neighbourliness. MEPs are likely to focus on Turkey's unilateral claims, challenges to Greek island sovereignty, and actions against the Republic of Cyprus. The debate will also touch on the implications for the Cyprus problem. Tensions have been raised over energy plans, with Turkey disputing the Greek claim to airspace and conducting seabed surveys for a natural gas pipeline. The Greek government has reported 'airspace violations' by Turkey, with seven Turkish aircraft violating Greek airspace on Tuesday. Turkey disputes this version of events, citing international civil aviation organisation statutes. The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has referenced the disputes in his address to the United Nations general assembly, calling for resolution based on good neighbourly relations and international law.