After preventing the electrical interconnection between Greece-Cyprus-Israel, the Turks prevented the Gibraltar-flagged research vessel Fugro Gauss from researching on behalf of Cyprus.

By Nick Stamatakis

In yet another aggressive and illegal move, Turkey has blocked the Gibraltar-flagged research vessel Fugro Gauss from conducting surveys on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus for the EMC submarine optical cable project. Claiming that the vessel’s work area falls within the so-called “Turkish continental shelf,” Ankara issued an anti-NAVTEX nullifying Cyprus’s own lawful NAVTEX and dispatched naval and air assets to the area.

According to Turkish media, the Turkish Navy and a maritime patrol aircraft threatened the ship, declaring that “necessary measures will be taken on the spot” should it proceed — a direct act of coercion in international waters. This latest provocation follows Turkey’s earlier obstruction in July near Karpathos/Kassos, where it prevented the “Great Sea” electricity interconnection project between Greece and Cyprus from moving forward.

The pattern is clear: Ankara is using naval power and invented legal claims to block projects that would physically and economically link Greece and Cyprus, undermining both nations’ energy independence and strategic connectivity. This is not only a violation of international law — it is blackmail through maritime intimidation.

A Coordinated Greek–Cypriot Response Is Urgent

Given these escalating provocations, the time has come for Greece and Cyprus to act decisively, in full coordination and with the support of allies:

1. Greece must declare a 12-mile territorial water zone.
This is a sovereign right under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Turkey’s threats cannot nullify this legal entitlement.

2. Greece and Cyprus must jointly declare and delineate their common EEZ border, and deposit the specified agreement – including the geographical coordinates – at the United Nations. This step would solidify their legal standing and complicate Turkey’s propaganda-driven “Blue Homeland” claims.

3. Mobilize EU allies — especially France and Italy.
France maintains special military access rights in both Greece and Cyprus, and Italy has benefited from a favorable EEZ agreement with Greece. It’s time to pay back. Their involvement, including naval patrols and joint exercises, would signal that Turkish harassment will be met with collective deterrence. After all, Greece’s EEZ coincides with the European EEZ.

4. Demand tangible support from the United States.
Washington’s use of multiple strategic bases across Greece for many decades — from Souda Bay to Alexandroupolis — must come with reciprocal guarantees for Greek sovereignty and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and must specifically include the application of the U.N. “Law of the Seas” in the Eastern Mediterranean. The U.S. has to stop its “Deep State” policies promoting for decades the “equitable distribution” of sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus with Turkey.  The U.S. applied the “Law of the Seas” when it delineated its maritime borders with Cuba and the Bahamas – and not “equitable distribution”!! Also, what will the US State Department say if China comes out and demands “equitable distribution” using the Turkish argument of the extensive coastline opposite to “islands” in the South China Sea (Taiwan, Philippines, etc). Why the double standards when it comes to the EEZ of Greece and Cyprus with Turkey? This undermines American positions globally.  And why does the U.S. not demand that Turkey, a NATO member, stop proclaiming a “casus belli” against Greece for such issues!!  American policies on such issues are beyond shameful and hypocritical!!

Why Now? Because Greece holds air superiority and other advantages

Greece is in its strongest aerial position in decades. The Hellenic Air Force now operates modernized F-16 Vipers, upgraded Mirage 2000-5s, cutting-edge Rafales, and will soon take delivery of F-35 stealth fighters. These assets, combined with enhanced missile defenses and a revitalized navy (with new frigates and advanced submarines), give Athens a decisive qualitative advantage over Turkey in the air. This domain would determine the outcome of any maritime confrontation.

This military edge will not last forever. It must be used now — not for aggression, but to impose the lawful rights of Greece and Cyprus in their own maritime zones, backed by the clear letter of international law and by the will to enforce it.

Turkey’s actions against the Fugro Gauss and its earlier obstruction around Kassos are not isolated incidents. They are part of a sustained campaign to prevent the Hellenic world from achieving energy autonomy and secure sea-lane control in the Eastern Mediterranean. The only answer is decisive, coordinated action — before Turkish “fait accomplis” become permanent faits accomplis.

August 7, 2025, n.stamatakis@aol.com   www.helleniscope.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.

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