The situation in the Eastern Mediterranean is further complicated, with Turkey issuing NAVTEX for live-fire exercise on behalf of Russia in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In particular, Ankara yesterday issued two NAVTEXs for live-fire exercise for Russia on the borders of the Greek self continental and east of Cyprus.
Late last night the Antalya station issued two NAVTEXs entitled “Russian live-fire exercise.” The exercises will be held on September 8-22 and September 17-25 by the Russian Armed Forces, with Ankara stressing that Oruc Reis, which is conducting research in the area, should not be disturbed during the exercise.
It should be noted that this particular NAVTEX came after Washington’s decision to lift the embargo on the export of non-lethal weapons to the Republic of Cyprus, which angered Turkey.
It is estimated that Ankara’s move (to issue NAVTEX for Russian exercise) is a response to the French activity in the Eastern Mediterranean and, specifically, to the presence of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle that has already sailed off.