E.Med: Turkish opposition warns EU over Greek designs

By Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's main opposition party on Monday warned the European Union not to fall for Greek designs in the Mediterranean, saying Athens is trying to isolate Turkey in the region.

Greece's recent military deployment on the island of Meis was a blatant violation of the 1974 Paris agreement, said Faik Oztrak, spokesman of the Republican People's Party (CHP).

Oztrak said the Turkish government should not allow violations of international deals but should take essential measures against Greek political designs while strengthening Turkish ties with regional countries.

He added that the EU should not get fooled by Greek plans but should instead act in line with responsibility, stating that the disputes should be resolved in line with the international agreements and interests of countries in the region.

Greece has disputed Turkey's current energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, trying to box in Turkish maritime territory based on small islands near the Turkish coast.

Turkey -- the country with the longest coastline on the Mediterranean -- has sent out drill ships to explore for energy on its continental shelf, saying that both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have rights in the region.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas