Turkey’s proxy wars are growing in number. Turkey has reportedly supplied materials and fighters to Libya in a bid to change the course of the civil war. Erdogan provoked Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, and both countries were on the brink of a war.

The Turkish president also intervened in Syria. Now, Turkey is instigating Azerbaijan, pushing for a full blown war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armed and reckless: Modern day Turkey&nbsp;

The Turkish president is pushing Turkish arms, the military, and proxies to volatile regional battlegrounds. This began in Libya when Turkey announced a military intervention in civil war in January.

Erdogan is a key supporter of the Tripoli-based government of National Accord that is fighting the Libyan National Army, led by commander Khalifa Haftar.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/unga-2020-erdogan-calls-kashmir-conflict-a-burning-issue-329483" hreflang="en">UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue'</a>

Last year in April, the Libyan National Army launched an offensive to seize the capital. Despite a UN embargo,&nbsp; Turkey has deployed its military forces, sent Syrian militants, and even armed the government of National Accord.

French president Emmanuel Macron has accused Turkey of meddling in the Libyan conflict. In Macron's eyes, Turkey has threatened European interests with its military deployments.

“I have already had the opportunity to make this very clear to president Erdogan: I now consider that Turkey is playing a dangerous game in Libya and is in breach of all the commitments it made at the Berlin conference. This is the same speech I made this afternoon during the exchange I&nbsp;had with president Trump, because it is in the interests of Libya, of its neighbours, of the whole region, but also of Europe”, Emmanuel Macron had said.

The response?

In August, Turkey pursued an aggressive gas exploration effort in eastern Mediterranean. Greece claims the same disputed regions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/will-erdogans-support-to-azerbaijan-create-conflict-between-turkey-and-russia-331248" hreflang="en">Will Erdogan's support to Azerbaijan create conflict between Turkey and Russia?</a>

Encounters between Turkish and Greek vessels on the high seas raised the threat of war. France sided with Greece. Erdogan responded with the following: “France is often on the agenda. I don't want to give names, but I am forced to because he comes at me a lot. It isn't with our people but he says we have a problem with Erdogan.&nbsp;Mr Macron, you are going to have way more problems with me."

No backing down

By the end of September, Erdogan triggered a new conflict, and ramped up support to Azerbaijan. On September 27, fighting broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

For 11 days now, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in deadly clashes. With Erdogan sending Syrian mercenaries to assist Azerbaijan, the international community wants a ceasefire. Erdogan has offered Azerbaijan complete military support, and defied calls for a ceasefire.

“Given that the three Minsk countries, USA, Russia and France have neglected this problem for nearly 30 years, first of all, it is unacceptable that they are involved in a search for a ceasefire in the face of these negative developments that came to surface in these days but if something is wanted, the invaders should leave these lands in order to achieve a solution”, Erdogan said.

Erdogan believes that he can get a seat at the high table by initiating proxy battles.&nbsp; But by flexing his military muscle, the Turkish president is only isolating his country further.

Turkey’s proxy wars are growing in number. Turkey has reportedly supplied materials and fighters to Libya in a bid to change the course of the civil war. Erdogan provoked Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, and both countries were on the brink of a war.

Turkey’s proxy wars are growing in number. Turkey has reportedly supplied materials and fighters to Libya in a bid to change the course of the civil war. Erdogan provoked Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, and both countries were on the brink of a war. The Turkish president also intervened in Syria. Now, Turkey is instigating Azerbaijan, pushing for a full blown war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armed and reckless: Modern day Turkey The Turkish president is pushing Turkish arms, the military, and proxies to volatile regional battlegrounds. This began in Libya when Turkey announced a military intervention in civil war in January. Erdogan is a key supporter of the Tripoli-based government of National Accord that is fighting the Libyan National Army, led by commander Khalifa Haftar. Also read: UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue' Last year in April, the Libyan National Army launched an offensive to seize the capital. Despite a UN embargo, Turkey has deployed its military forces, sent Syrian militants, and even armed the government of National Accord. French president Emmanuel Macron has accused Turkey of meddling in the Libyan conflict. In Macron's eyes, Turkey has threatened European interests with its military deployments. “I have already had the opportunity to make this very clear to president Erdogan: I now consider that Turkey is playing a dangerous game in Libya and is in breach of all the commitments it made at the Berlin conference. This is the same speech I made this afternoon during the exchange I had with president Trump, because it is in the interests of Libya, of its neighbours, of the whole region, but also of Europe”, Emmanuel Macron had said. The response? In August, Turkey pursued an aggressive gas exploration effort in eastern Mediterranean. Greece claims the same disputed regions. Also read: Will Erdogan's support to Azerbaijan create conflict between Turkey and Russia? Encounters between Turkish and Greek vessels on the high seas raised the threat of war. France sided with Greece. Erdogan responded with the following: “France is often on the agenda. I don't want to give names, but I am forced to because he comes at me a lot. It isn't with our people but he says we have a problem with Erdogan. Mr Macron, you are going to have way more problems with me." No backing down By the end of September, Erdogan triggered a new conflict, and ramped up support to Azerbaijan. On September 27, fighting broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. For 11 days now, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in deadly clashes. With Erdogan sending Syrian mercenaries to assist Azerbaijan, the international community wants a ceasefire. Erdogan has offered Azerbaijan complete military support, and defied calls for a ceasefire. “Given that the three Minsk countries, USA, Russia and France have neglected this problem for nearly 30 years, first of all, it is unacceptable that they are involved in a search for a ceasefire in the face of these negative developments that came to surface in these days but if something is wanted, the invaders should leave these lands in order to achieve a solution”, Erdogan said. Erdogan believes that he can get a seat at the high table by initiating proxy battles. But by flexing his military muscle, the Turkish president is only isolating his country further.

Modern-day Turkey: Armed and reckless

The Greek government has welcomed a Turkish survey vessel's return to port from a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean that has been at the heart of a summer stand-off between Greece and Turkey over energy rights.

Turkish survey vessel returns to port: Greece welcomes return of vessel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday raised rhetoric on Greece standoff in Mediterranean, asking it to enter talks over disputed territorial claims or face the consequences.

"They're either going to understand the language of politics and diplomacy, or in the field with painful experiences," he said at a hospital's opening ceremony in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Ankara is currently facing off against Greece and Cyprus over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. All sides have deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey was "ready for every eventuality and result."

Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that tanks were being moved towards the Greek border.&nbsp;

The Cumhuriyet newspaper said 40 tanks were being transported from the Syrian border to Edirne in northwest Turkey and carried photographs of armored vehicles loaded on trucks. 
There was no immediate official confirmation of the deployment.

The president's comments come after NATO said military officers from Greece and Turkey had begun technical discussions to reduce the risk of armed conflict or accidents.

The two NATO allies have been locked for weeks in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf.

The EU, which numbers Greece and Cyprus as members, has also threatened possible sanctions against Ankara over its actions.

This week, the US announced it was easing a 33-year-old arms embargo against ethnically divided Cyprus.

The recent crisis is the most serious in Turkish-Greek relations in decades. The neighbours have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday raised rhetoric on Greece standoff in Mediterranean, asking it to enter talks over disputed territorial claims or face the consequences.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday raised rhetoric on Greece standoff in Mediterranean, asking it to enter talks over disputed territorial claims or face the consequences. "They're either going to understand the language of politics and diplomacy, or in the field with painful experiences," he said at a hospital's opening ceremony in Istanbul. Ankara is currently facing off against Greece and Cyprus over oil and gas exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean. All sides have deployed naval and air forces to assert their competing claims in the region. Erdogan stressed that Turkey was "ready for every eventuality and result." Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that tanks were being moved towards the Greek border. The Cumhuriyet newspaper said 40 tanks were being transported from the Syrian border to Edirne in northwest Turkey and carried photographs of armored vehicles loaded on trucks. There was no immediate official confirmation of the deployment. The president's comments come after NATO said military officers from Greece and Turkey had begun technical discussions to reduce the risk of armed conflict or accidents. The two NATO allies have been locked for weeks in a tense standoff in the eastern Mediterranean, where Turkey is prospecting the seabed for energy reserves in an area Greece claims as its own continental shelf. The EU, which numbers Greece and Cyprus as members, has also threatened possible sanctions against Ankara over its actions. This week, the US announced it was easing a 33-year-old arms embargo against ethnically divided Cyprus. The recent crisis is the most serious in Turkish-Greek relations in decades. The neighbours have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over maritime resources in the Aegean.

Erdogan warns Greece over standoff in Mediterranean

All of the migrants on board a rescue ship funded by British street artist Banksy have been transferred to other vessels, the team behind the mission said.

An Italian patrol vessel rushed to the stranded MV Louise Michel in the Mediterranean and took in 49 of the most vulnerable people on Saturday, after their pink-and-white ship carrying more than 200 passengers sent an urgent call for help.

The remaining migrants on board, around 150 people, were received by a vessel chartered by German NGO Sea Watch and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), according to tweets from both organisations and the Louise Michel's crew.

The German-flagged Louise Michel had said it needed aid after helping a boat carrying at least one dead migrant in the sea that divides Africa and Europe.

Its crew said the 31-metre (101-foot) ship had become overcrowded and unable to move, warning that some of the migrants had fuel burns and had been at sea for days.

"Given the danger of the situation, the coastguard sent a patrol boat to Lampedusa which took in 49 people deemed the most fragile, including 32 women, 13 children and four men," said a coastguard statement.

The rescued migrants later said three people had died at sea before the arrival of the Louise Michel.

Banksy, who keeps his identity a secret, explained in an online video that he had bought the boat to help migrants "because EU authorities deliberately ignore distress calls from non-Europeans".

Sea-Watch 4, which has a clinic on board and is itself in search of a host port, said it was now carrying 350 people after sailing for four hours to help the Louise Michel.

Its crew decided to take action "in the face of the lack of reaction" from the authorities.

The Louise Michel vessel's crew of 10 had already rescued 89 people from a rubber boat in distress on Thursday.

They had tweeted that there were a total 219 people on board and that they had requested assistance from both the Italian and Maltese authorities.

The boat -- a former French customs vessel named after 19th-century French anarchist Louise Michel -- was around 90 kilometres (55 miles) southeast of Lampedusa on Saturday, according to the global ship tracking website Marine Traffic.

It features a Banksy artwork depicting a girl in a life vest holding a heart-shaped safety buoy.

Its crew is "made up of European activists with long experience in search and rescue operations" and is captained by German human rights activist Pia Klemp, who has also captained other such rescue vessels, The Guardian newspaper reported.

Thousands of people are thought to have died making the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean to flee conflict, repression and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.

According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, attempts by migrant boats to cross the Mediterranean into Europe have increased this year, up 91 percent from January to July over last year's figures, to 14,481 people.

Banksy's involvement in the rescue mission goes back to September 2019 when he sent Klemp an email asking how he could contribute.

 
&nbsp;

All of the migrants on board a rescue ship funded by British street artist Banksy have been transferred to other vessels, the team behind the mission said. An Italian patrol vessel rushed to the stranded MV Louise Michel in the Mediterranean and took in 49 of the most vulnerable people on Saturday, after their pink-and-white ship carrying more than 200 passengers sent an urgent call for help.

All of the migrants on board a rescue ship funded by British street artist Banksy have been transferred to other vessels, the team behind the mission said. An Italian patrol vessel rushed to the stranded MV Louise Michel in the Mediterranean and took in 49 of the most vulnerable people on Saturday, after their pink-and-white ship carrying more than 200 passengers sent an urgent call for help. The remaining migrants on board, around 150 people, were received by a vessel chartered by German NGO Sea Watch and medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), according to tweets from both organisations and the Louise Michel's crew. The German-flagged Louise Michel had said it needed aid after helping a boat carrying at least one dead migrant in the sea that divides Africa and Europe. Its crew said the 31-metre (101-foot) ship had become overcrowded and unable to move, warning that some of the migrants had fuel burns and had been at sea for days. "Given the danger of the situation, the coastguard sent a patrol boat to Lampedusa which took in 49 people deemed the most fragile, including 32 women, 13 children and four men," said a coastguard statement. The rescued migrants later said three people had died at sea before the arrival of the Louise Michel. Banksy, who keeps his identity a secret, explained in an online video that he had bought the boat to help migrants "because EU authorities deliberately ignore distress calls from non-Europeans". Sea-Watch 4, which has a clinic on board and is itself in search of a host port, said it was now carrying 350 people after sailing for four hours to help the Louise Michel. Its crew decided to take action "in the face of the lack of reaction" from the authorities. The Louise Michel vessel's crew of 10 had already rescued 89 people from a rubber boat in distress on Thursday. They had tweeted that there were a total 219 people on board and that they had requested assistance from both the Italian and Maltese authorities. The boat -- a former French customs vessel named after 19th-century French anarchist Louise Michel -- was around 90 kilometres (55 miles) southeast of Lampedusa on Saturday, according to the global ship tracking website Marine Traffic. It features a Banksy artwork depicting a girl in a life vest holding a heart-shaped safety buoy. Its crew is "made up of European activists with long experience in search and rescue operations" and is captained by German human rights activist Pia Klemp, who has also captained other such rescue vessels, The Guardian newspaper reported. Thousands of people are thought to have died making the dangerous trip across the Mediterranean to flee conflict, repression and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, attempts by migrant boats to cross the Mediterranean into Europe have increased this year, up 91 percent from January to July over last year's figures, to 14,481 people. Banksy's involvement in the rescue mission goes back to September 2019 when he sent Klemp an email asking how he could contribute.

All migrants moved off Banksy-funded rescue vessel stranded in Mediterranean

Germany on Thursday called for an end to naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to allow space for talks between Greece and Turkey, at odds over gas resources and maritime borders.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Berlin are discussing tensions in the area, where the two NATO members are locked in a standoff observers fear could accidentally tip into conflict.

Turkey on Thursday announced new "gunnery exercises" at the edge of its territorial waters in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, after Greece -- joined by France, Cyprus and Italy -- staged its own war games.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392#cyprus-323383">Have a look|&nbsp;Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

"We need a diplomatic solution to this conflict... The preconditions for these talks are that these manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, are stopped," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who has tried to mediate between the two countries, told reporters in Berlin.

"For sure the parties will not sit down at the table when warships are facing each other in the eastern Mediterranean."

The EU has long been angered by Turkey sending ships on exploratory missions to drill for gas in waters claimed by Cyprus and earlier this year imposed sanctions on two Turkish nationals involved in the work.

The bloc's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell will present ministers with a "range of options" for dealing with Turkey, officials say, though he has been keen to stress the importance of keeping dialogue with Ankara going.

But there is pressure from some quarters for tough action on Turkey, and while the Berlin meeting is an informal one, with no decisions to be taken, EU leaders will focus on the issue at a summit next month.

"Europe's credibility is at stake. The European Union, a union of 27 member states, must stand up for international values, for a global international order based on the values and principles of the European Union," Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said as he arrived for the talks in Berlin.

"EU solidarity must be real and substantial."

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His Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg said the eastern Mediterranean was an "ever-growing powder keg" where the number of naval vessels made incidents "almost inevitable"

"Turkey disregards all conventions... international law cannot be negotiated," he added.

Ahead of the Berlin talks, a senior EU official said Borrell wanted ministers to consider the bloc's relationship with Turkey in its entirety, stressing that whatever difficulties there might be, Ankara remained a "very important neighbour" that had to be managed.

Germany on Thursday called for an end to naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to allow space for talks between Greece and Turkey, at odds over gas resources and maritime borders.

Germany on Thursday called for an end to naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to allow space for talks between Greece and Turkey, at odds over gas resources and maritime borders. EU foreign ministers meeting in Berlin are discussing tensions in the area, where the two NATO members are locked in a standoff observers fear could accidentally tip into conflict. Turkey on Thursday announced new "gunnery exercises" at the edge of its territorial waters in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, after Greece -- joined by France, Cyprus and Italy -- staged its own war games. Have a look| Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes "We need a diplomatic solution to this conflict... The preconditions for these talks are that these manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, are stopped," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who has tried to mediate between the two countries, told reporters in Berlin. "For sure the parties will not sit down at the table when warships are facing each other in the eastern Mediterranean." The EU has long been angered by Turkey sending ships on exploratory missions to drill for gas in waters claimed by Cyprus and earlier this year imposed sanctions on two Turkish nationals involved in the work. The bloc's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell will present ministers with a "range of options" for dealing with Turkey, officials say, though he has been keen to stress the importance of keeping dialogue with Ankara going. But there is pressure from some quarters for tough action on Turkey, and while the Berlin meeting is an informal one, with no decisions to be taken, EU leaders will focus on the issue at a summit next month. "Europe's credibility is at stake. The European Union, a union of 27 member states, must stand up for international values, for a global international order based on the values and principles of the European Union," Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said as he arrived for the talks in Berlin. "EU solidarity must be real and substantial." × His Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg said the eastern Mediterranean was an "ever-growing powder keg" where the number of naval vessels made incidents "almost inevitable" "Turkey disregards all conventions... international law cannot be negotiated," he added. Ahead of the Berlin talks, a senior EU official said Borrell wanted ministers to consider the bloc's relationship with Turkey in its entirety, stressing that whatever difficulties there might be, Ankara remained a "very important neighbour" that had to be managed.

Mediterranean war games must stop to allow talks: Germany

Athens is ready for a "significant de-escalation" in the Eastern Mediterranean provided Turkey halts its "provocative actions", Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Wednesday.

Greek Prime Minister offers 'de-escalation' if Turkey eases off in Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

"Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet.

The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags.

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It did not specify the military drills' location or other details.

The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union.

Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby.

Turkey said Wednesday it had conducted exercises with a US navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean, hours after its rival Greece began war games with France and EU allies nearby. "Turkish frigates TCG Barbaros and TCG Burgazada have conducted maritime training with American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill in the eastern Mediterranean on 26 August," the defence ministry announced in a tweet. The ministry also released photos of three warships, two of them Turkish and one flying the Turkish and US flags. × It did not specify the military drills' location or other details. The Turkish announcement came in the heat of an escalating row over maritime borders and rights to large natural gas reserves that has pitted Turkey against its old rival Greece and the rest of the European Union. Greece began three days of exercises with France, Italy and Cyprus on Wednesday in an area south of Crete.

Turkey says conducted Mediterranean exercise with US

Turkey&nbsp;said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions.

The olive branch came as the two uneasy NATO allies' navies conducted separate exercises close to each other just south of Crete in a mutual show of force.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-greece-announce-rival-military-exercises-in-tense-east-mediterranean-322869" hreflang="en">Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean</a>

"We are in favour of negotiations for fair sharing but nobody should lay down preconditions. This cannot happen with preconditions laid down by Greece," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said after talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Ankara.

Greece said it will launch military exercises Wednesday with France, Italy and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, the focus of escalating tensions between Athens and Ankara.

The joint exercises south of Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete will last three days, the defence ministry said.

The discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old rivalries between NATO members Greece and Turkey.

Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

EU powerhouse Germany is spearheading efforts to avoid an outright military conflict that could imperil Europe's future access to newly-discovered energy reserves.

Greece's maritime claims are backed by the entire European Union, but the bloc has so far held back from heavily sanctioning&nbsp;Turkey, fearing possible retaliation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Maas shuttled between Athens and Ankara on Tuesday in a bid to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and re-enter direct talks.

After both visits were over, Maas conceded that the dispute had entered a "very critical" phase.

Nevertheless, "no one wants to solve this issue in a militaristic way," Maas said through a translator, "and there is a willingness on both sides for dialogue."

Cavusoglu praised the German mediation effort but said Ankara made a good faith gesture by announcing a pause to its exploration activity last month.

He argued that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;felt it had to resume its work when Greece signed an agreement with Egypt to set up an exclusive economic zone on August 6, violating a general sense of goodwill.

On Sunday,&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;announced a decision to extend its exploratory ship Oruc Reis's mission by an extra four days to Thursday, which prompted an immediate Greek response to carry out naval exercises nearby.&nbsp;

Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions. The olive branch came as the two uneasy NATO allies' navies conducted separate exercises close to each other just south of Crete in a mutual show of force.

Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions. The olive branch came as the two uneasy NATO allies' navies conducted separate exercises close to each other just south of Crete in a mutual show of force. Also read: Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean "We are in favour of negotiations for fair sharing but nobody should lay down preconditions. This cannot happen with preconditions laid down by Greece," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said after talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Ankara. Greece said it will launch military exercises Wednesday with France, Italy and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, the focus of escalating tensions between Athens and Ankara. The joint exercises south of Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete will last three days, the defence ministry said. The discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old rivalries between NATO members Greece and Turkey. Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea EU powerhouse Germany is spearheading efforts to avoid an outright military conflict that could imperil Europe's future access to newly-discovered energy reserves. Greece's maritime claims are backed by the entire European Union, but the bloc has so far held back from heavily sanctioning Turkey, fearing possible retaliation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Maas shuttled between Athens and Ankara on Tuesday in a bid to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and re-enter direct talks. After both visits were over, Maas conceded that the dispute had entered a "very critical" phase. Nevertheless, "no one wants to solve this issue in a militaristic way," Maas said through a translator, "and there is a willingness on both sides for dialogue." Cavusoglu praised the German mediation effort but said Ankara made a good faith gesture by announcing a pause to its exploration activity last month. He argued that Turkey felt it had to resume its work when Greece signed an agreement with Egypt to set up an exclusive economic zone on August 6, violating a general sense of goodwill. On Sunday, Turkey announced a decision to extend its exploratory ship Oruc Reis's mission by an extra four days to Thursday, which prompted an immediate Greek response to carry out naval exercises nearby.

Mediterranean row: Turkey says ready for talks with Greece without 'preconditions'

Turkey's big push into the Mediterranean featuring controversial gas drilling, tough rhetoric and warships is rooted in a grand vision of a "Blue Homeland" that takes over waters claimed by EU neighbours.

Fearful of being denied a fair share of the region's bountiful natural gas wealth, Turkey sent a research vessel and a small navy armada into seas Greece views as its own, dramatically escalating tensions last week.

In a sign of the growing importance he assigns energy independence, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday announced that Turkey had made its biggest-ever discovery of natural gas in the Black Sea.

"My Lord has opened the door to unprecedented wealth for us," he enthused to applause from a hall filled with supportive officials.

But the new find has done little to abate Turkey's desire to expand ever deeper into the Mediterranean Sea, which has won Erdogan political points at home but infuriated Greece and drawn repeated warnings from the European Union.

France, already at odds with Turkey over Libya and parts of the Middle East, sent in its own ships into the region to help out Greece, prompting Erdogan to warn he would retaliate against any attack.

The issue was not just about "fighting for rights but for Turkey's future," Erdogan said.

- The 'Blue Homeland' doctrine -

Critics say the "Blue Homeland" doctrine ("Mavi Vatan" in Turkish) is the latest example of Turkey resorting to disruption to coerce others into achieving what it wants.

But Turkish officials and former admirals responsible for the policy argue Greece's demands based on a scattering of tiny islands are unfair since Turkey has larger mainland territory in the eastern part of the sea.

The doctrine's author is retired admiral Cem Gurdeniz, who first used the "Mavi Vatan" term in 2006 when he was head of the Turkish navy's plan and policy division.

His vision covers more than 460,000 square kilometres (175,000 square miles) of Turkey's maritime borders, including the water surrounding some Greek islands, and has grown in prominence in parallel with rising Turkish nationalism.

"Blue Homeland is a symbol of the 'maritimisation' of Turkey," Gurdeniz told AFP, a concept which "tries to define maritime jurisdiction areas surrounding Turkey."

Gurdeniz said Turkey needed to secure these areas for its welfare, defence, security, "even for its happiness".

- Bargaining chip -

The lack of agreed maritime borders between Turkey and Greece, or Turkey and Cyprus, turned into a much bigger problem with the discovery of major hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean in the past decade.

"The delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in the Aegean and east Med is a matter that most governments of the region have deliberately neglected," said Muzaffer Senel, an associate professor at Istanbul's Sehir University.

"Because it is an issue more difficult to solve and its political costs are too high."

Mavi Vatan is "a bargaining chip for Ankara," he said.

"By serving this map, Ankara declares its position in the negotiations."

While countries with coastlines can claim an EEZ, so can islands.

Felicity Attard, an international maritime law specialist, said this "makes the Turkish-Greek position extremely complex, particularly because of the location of the islands and the longstanding rivalry between the two states."

She added that the dispute was compounded by the difference of policy between the two countries with respect to Cyprus, divided since 1974 between the Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

There is particular anger over Greece's insistence that the tiny island of Kastellorizo, two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Antalya, should have the same rights as Turkey's entire coast.

- 'Volatile situation' -

Turkey is isolated in the region, which experts say is in part why Erdogan is lashing out and insisting on Turkey's rights against countries joining forces without Ankara.

Last year Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Italy and the Palestinian territories agreed to create the "East Mediterranean Gas Forum" without Turkey.

Greece and Turkey held "exploratory talks" between 2002 and 2016 related to the Aegean Sea but they came to an end at the request of Athens, a Turkish diplomatic source said.

Turkey says Erdogan made efforts to renew the talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and at the NATO summit in London last year.

"Greece didn't accept these offers and instead used the EU against Turkey. This isn't right," a Turkish official told AFP.

A maritime agreement Turkey signed with Libya in November exacerbated tensions after it set up sea boundaries that Greece said overlooked its island of Crete.

A Western diplomat called the situation "volatile", warning that "any miscalculation could have serious consequences."

But Erdogan "is pragmatic and knows that extended tensions would not be good," the diplomat told AFP, pointing to the risk of any Western sanctions hurting the already weak lira.

Yet retired admiral Gurdeniz sounded defiant.

"Even if Turkey is alone in this fight" and even if sanctions are imposed, he said, "Turkey will not give up."

Turkey's big push into the Mediterranean featuring controversial gas drilling, tough rhetoric and warships is rooted in a grand vision of a "Blue Homeland" that takes over waters claimed by EU neighbours.

Turkey's big push into the Mediterranean featuring controversial gas drilling, tough rhetoric and warships is rooted in a grand vision of a "Blue Homeland" that takes over waters claimed by EU neighbours. Fearful of being denied a fair share of the region's bountiful natural gas wealth, Turkey sent a research vessel and a small navy armada into seas Greece views as its own, dramatically escalating tensions last week. In a sign of the growing importance he assigns energy independence, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday announced that Turkey had made its biggest-ever discovery of natural gas in the Black Sea. "My Lord has opened the door to unprecedented wealth for us," he enthused to applause from a hall filled with supportive officials. But the new find has done little to abate Turkey's desire to expand ever deeper into the Mediterranean Sea, which has won Erdogan political points at home but infuriated Greece and drawn repeated warnings from the European Union. France, already at odds with Turkey over Libya and parts of the Middle East, sent in its own ships into the region to help out Greece, prompting Erdogan to warn he would retaliate against any attack. The issue was not just about "fighting for rights but for Turkey's future," Erdogan said. - The 'Blue Homeland' doctrine - Critics say the "Blue Homeland" doctrine ("Mavi Vatan" in Turkish) is the latest example of Turkey resorting to disruption to coerce others into achieving what it wants. But Turkish officials and former admirals responsible for the policy argue Greece's demands based on a scattering of tiny islands are unfair since Turkey has larger mainland territory in the eastern part of the sea. The doctrine's author is retired admiral Cem Gurdeniz, who first used the "Mavi Vatan" term in 2006 when he was head of the Turkish navy's plan and policy division. His vision covers more than 460,000 square kilometres (175,000 square miles) of Turkey's maritime borders, including the water surrounding some Greek islands, and has grown in prominence in parallel with rising Turkish nationalism. "Blue Homeland is a symbol of the 'maritimisation' of Turkey," Gurdeniz told AFP, a concept which "tries to define maritime jurisdiction areas surrounding Turkey." Gurdeniz said Turkey needed to secure these areas for its welfare, defence, security, "even for its happiness". - Bargaining chip - The lack of agreed maritime borders between Turkey and Greece, or Turkey and Cyprus, turned into a much bigger problem with the discovery of major hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean in the past decade. "The delimitation of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in the Aegean and east Med is a matter that most governments of the region have deliberately neglected," said Muzaffer Senel, an associate professor at Istanbul's Sehir University. "Because it is an issue more difficult to solve and its political costs are too high." Mavi Vatan is "a bargaining chip for Ankara," he said. "By serving this map, Ankara declares its position in the negotiations." While countries with coastlines can claim an EEZ, so can islands. Felicity Attard, an international maritime law specialist, said this "makes the Turkish-Greek position extremely complex, particularly because of the location of the islands and the longstanding rivalry between the two states." She added that the dispute was compounded by the difference of policy between the two countries with respect to Cyprus, divided since 1974 between the Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. There is particular anger over Greece's insistence that the tiny island of Kastellorizo, two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Antalya, should have the same rights as Turkey's entire coast. - 'Volatile situation' - Turkey is isolated in the region, which experts say is in part why Erdogan is lashing out and insisting on Turkey's rights against countries joining forces without Ankara. Last year Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Italy and the Palestinian territories agreed to create the "East Mediterranean Gas Forum" without Turkey. Greece and Turkey held "exploratory talks" between 2002 and 2016 related to the Aegean Sea but they came to an end at the request of Athens, a Turkish diplomatic source said. Turkey says Erdogan made efforts to renew the talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and at the NATO summit in London last year. "Greece didn't accept these offers and instead used the EU against Turkey. This isn't right," a Turkish official told AFP. A maritime agreement Turkey signed with Libya in November exacerbated tensions after it set up sea boundaries that Greece said overlooked its island of Crete. A Western diplomat called the situation "volatile", warning that "any miscalculation could have serious consequences." But Erdogan "is pragmatic and knows that extended tensions would not be good," the diplomat told AFP, pointing to the risk of any Western sanctions hurting the already weak lira. Yet retired admiral Gurdeniz sounded defiant. "Even if Turkey is alone in this fight" and even if sanctions are imposed, he said, "Turkey will not give up."

Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU.

"We are going to speed up our operations in the Mediterranean with the deployment by the end of the year of the Kanuni (drilling ship), which is currently in maintenance," Erdogan said in a keynote address in Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-eastern-mediterranean-has-become-a-crisis-centre-for-europe-322001">Why eastern Mediterranean has become a crisis centre for Europe</a>

A new geopolitical storm brewing in the Mediterranean threatens to become a multinational conflict and it could engulf Europe.

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Currently, there are two factions, on one hand, there are European countries like France, Cyprus and Greece, one the other there's Turkey - a country that wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate and is taking a cue from China's expansionism.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where several geopolitical faultlines converge.

There are maritime boundary disputes, claims and counterclaims of sovereignty which were local affairs but in the last five years it has become serious due to the strategic value of the area and the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves which is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and therefore conflicts over these reserves have began.

Earlier this month, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region as both sides called the collision an "accident", however, what followed&nbsp;tells a different story.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Friday to step up the search for energy in the Mediterranean by the end of the year, despite tensions with Greece and the rest of the EU. "We are going to speed up our operations in the Mediterranean with the deployment by the end of the year of the Kanuni (drilling ship), which is currently in maintenance," Erdogan said in a keynote address in Istanbul. Also read: Why eastern Mediterranean has become a crisis centre for Europe A new geopolitical storm brewing in the Mediterranean threatens to become a multinational conflict and it could engulf Europe. × Currently, there are two factions, on one hand, there are European countries like France, Cyprus and Greece, one the other there's Turkey - a country that wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate and is taking a cue from China's expansionism. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where several geopolitical faultlines converge. There are maritime boundary disputes, claims and counterclaims of sovereignty which were local affairs but in the last five years it has become serious due to the strategic value of the area and the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves which is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and therefore conflicts over these reserves have began. Earlier this month, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region as both sides called the collision an "accident", however, what followed tells a different story.

Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe.

On the one hand there are&nbsp;European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece.&nbsp;On&nbsp;the other, there's Turkey&nbsp;which wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate.

Turkey’s Erdogan is militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where boundary disputes have remained a local affair for decades.

A key strategic arena

In the last five years, the region has turned into a key strategic arena after the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves worth trillions of dollars.&nbsp;Minor conflicts have been reported in the last five years, but the tipping point was witnessed this month.

In August, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides called the collision an accident.&nbsp;Following that, Turkey declared that the de facto boundaries that exist in these waters were illegitimate.&nbsp;Oruc Reis, the Turkish vessel that was involved in the collision remains stationed near the collision site.

Erdogan says that the&nbsp;vessel is exploring oil and gas in the Mediterranean until August 23.&nbsp;Erdogan added that if attempts are made to stop it from doing so, Turkey will retaliate.&nbsp;“They will receive their answer in kind”, said Erdogan.

Greece is asking the European Union to respond to Turkey's aggression, with the Greek foreign minister terming Turkey's actions illegal.&nbsp;Greece also reiterated its exclusive economic rights in the disputed waters.

Cyprus’ foreign minister says Turkey wants to destabilise the Mediterranean region, and that it is trying to blackmail and threaten European countries into submission.

Will EU stand the test?

The EU remains divided on how to handle Turkey's growing belligerence.&nbsp;The six European Mediterranean countries are evenly split on the issue.

Greece, Cyprus, and France are advocating strong action against Turkey while Italy, Malta, and Spain have refrained from getting involved.

Germany currently holds the EU presidency till July next year and is known to keep Ankara close to the EU.&nbsp;Angela Merkel is being accused of appeasing Erdogan for Germany's energy interests. Turkey which has an easy access to offshore reserves is said to have always helped Germany meet its demands.

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe. On the one hand there are European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece.

A new geopolitical storm is brewing in the Mediterranean. Two factions are emerging in a potential conflict which could engulf large parts of Europe. On the one hand there are European countries like France, Cyprus and, Greece. On the other, there's Turkey which wants to establish a modern-day Islamic Caliphate. Turkey’s Erdogan is militarising the eastern Mediterranean region where boundary disputes have remained a local affair for decades. A key strategic arena In the last five years, the region has turned into a key strategic arena after the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves worth trillions of dollars. Minor conflicts have been reported in the last five years, but the tipping point was witnessed this month. In August, Greek and Turkish vessels collided in the eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides called the collision an accident. Following that, Turkey declared that the de facto boundaries that exist in these waters were illegitimate. Oruc Reis, the Turkish vessel that was involved in the collision remains stationed near the collision site. Erdogan says that the vessel is exploring oil and gas in the Mediterranean until August 23. Erdogan added that if attempts are made to stop it from doing so, Turkey will retaliate. “They will receive their answer in kind”, said Erdogan. Greece is asking the European Union to respond to Turkey's aggression, with the Greek foreign minister terming Turkey's actions illegal. Greece also reiterated its exclusive economic rights in the disputed waters. Cyprus’ foreign minister says Turkey wants to destabilise the Mediterranean region, and that it is trying to blackmail and threaten European countries into submission. Will EU stand the test? The EU remains divided on how to handle Turkey's growing belligerence. The six European Mediterranean countries are evenly split on the issue. Greece, Cyprus, and France are advocating strong action against Turkey while Italy, Malta, and Spain have refrained from getting involved. Germany currently holds the EU presidency till July next year and is known to keep Ankara close to the EU. Angela Merkel is being accused of appeasing Erdogan for Germany's energy interests. Turkey which has an easy access to offshore reserves is said to have always helped Germany meet its demands.

As Erdogan's Turkey militarises eastern Mediterranean, EU remains divided

The first Mediterranean cruise ship set sail on Sunday evening as Italy's coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. To this end, cruise ship passengers had their temperatures checked and they took COVID-19 tests so they could embark on the journey.

The cruise ship company MSC made the procedures, for crew as well as passengers, part of its new health and safety protocols. The MSC Grandiosa, which was christened last year,&nbsp;departed for a seven-night cruise in the western Mediterranean.

Guests were asked to wear face masks in elevators and other areas where social distancing is not possible. The crew spent time in quarantine before the start of the cruise.

Earlier this month, the Italian government gave its approval for cruise ships to once again depart from Italy’s ports. But cruise ships are being limited to only 70 per cent capacity.

Among the port calls for the Grandiosa, MSC’s flagship, are Naples, Palermo, Sicily and Valletta, Malta.

Malta is one of four Mediterranean countries that Italy now requires travellers arriving from to have COVID-19 tests.

For now, MSC is limiting its guests to those who are residents of Europe’s 26-nation Schengen visa free travel zone.

MSC said every guest and crew member on board were given a wristband that “facilitates contactless transactions around the ship as well as providing contact and proximity tracing.”

 
&nbsp;

The first Mediterranean cruise ship set sail on Sunday evening as Italy's coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. To this end, cruise ship passengers had their temperatures checked and they took COVID-19 tests so they could embark on the journey.

The first Mediterranean cruise ship set sail on Sunday evening as Italy's coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. To this end, cruise ship passengers had their temperatures checked and they took COVID-19 tests so they could embark on the journey. The cruise ship company MSC made the procedures, for crew as well as passengers, part of its new health and safety protocols. The MSC Grandiosa, which was christened last year, departed for a seven-night cruise in the western Mediterranean. Guests were asked to wear face masks in elevators and other areas where social distancing is not possible. The crew spent time in quarantine before the start of the cruise. Earlier this month, the Italian government gave its approval for cruise ships to once again depart from Italy’s ports. But cruise ships are being limited to only 70 per cent capacity. Among the port calls for the Grandiosa, MSC’s flagship, are Naples, Palermo, Sicily and Valletta, Malta. Malta is one of four Mediterranean countries that Italy now requires travellers arriving from to have COVID-19 tests. For now, MSC is limiting its guests to those who are residents of Europe’s 26-nation Schengen visa free travel zone. MSC said every guest and crew member on board were given a wristband that “facilitates contactless transactions around the ship as well as providing contact and proximity tracing.”

First Mediterranean cruise sets sail after Italy's coronavirus lockdown lifts

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.

Tensions in the eastern Mediterranean have risen sharply this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, in a move Greece decried as illegal.

“We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara without giving details.

The Oruc Reis set out on Monday with its military escort to survey waters between Crete and Cyprus.

In response, President Emmanuel Macron said France would increase its military presence in the region and called on Ankara to stop its exploration work. French and Greek forces held military training exercises off Crete on Thursday.

European Union foreign ministers, who have already imposed sanctions on two Turkish energy executives over Turkey’s operations in the eastern Mediterranean, will discuss the situation on Friday.

Greece’s foreign ministry said Minister Nikos Dendias will brief EU counterparts “about the real facts of the recent days regarding operations in the region” at the emergency meeting.

Erdogan spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel on Thursday. He “reiterated his commitment to defend Turkey’s rights against attempts to disregard them”, Erdogan’s office said of the call with Michel.

Both Turkey and Greece said this week that they were willing to resolve the dispute over their overlapping maritime claims, but vowed to protect their interests and blamed the other side for the stand-off.

“If we act with common sense and reason, we can find a win-win solution that meets everyone’s interests,” Erdogan said earlier on Thursday. “We are not chasing any unnecessary adventures or seeking tensions.”

In apparent reference to France, Erdogan also said Greece was being pushed into taking “wrong steps” in the region by “a country that doesn’t even have a coast in the eastern Mediterranean”.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a “high price” and suggested Turkey had already acted on that warning. Tensions in the eastern Mediterranean have risen sharply this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, in a move Greece decried as illegal. “We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara without giving details. The Oruc Reis set out on Monday with its military escort to survey waters between Crete and Cyprus. In response, President Emmanuel Macron said France would increase its military presence in the region and called on Ankara to stop its exploration work. French and Greek forces held military training exercises off Crete on Thursday. European Union foreign ministers, who have already imposed sanctions on two Turkish energy executives over Turkey’s operations in the eastern Mediterranean, will discuss the situation on Friday. Greece’s foreign ministry said Minister Nikos Dendias will brief EU counterparts “about the real facts of the recent days regarding operations in the region” at the emergency meeting. Erdogan spoke by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Council President Charles Michel on Thursday. He “reiterated his commitment to defend Turkey’s rights against attempts to disregard them”, Erdogan’s office said of the call with Michel. Both Turkey and Greece said this week that they were willing to resolve the dispute over their overlapping maritime claims, but vowed to protect their interests and blamed the other side for the stand-off. “If we act with common sense and reason, we can find a win-win solution that meets everyone’s interests,” Erdogan said earlier on Thursday. “We are not chasing any unnecessary adventures or seeking tensions.” In apparent reference to France, Erdogan also said Greece was being pushed into taking “wrong steps” in the region by “a country that doesn’t even have a coast in the eastern Mediterranean”.

Erdogan says any attack on Turkish ship in Mediterranean dispute will exact 'high price'

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations.

But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-erdogan-announces-resuming-eastern-mediterranean-energy-search-318877">Also read|&nbsp;Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search</a>

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday.

Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said.

The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23.

The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus.

Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean.

Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece. The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations. But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue. Also read| Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday. Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said. The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23. The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter. Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus. Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean. Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey's new seismic survey in Mediterranean set to revive Greek tensions

Turkish&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises.

"We have resumed the drilling activity. We have sent (the vessel) Barbaros Hayrettin to the area," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers at Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia mosque.&nbsp;

Last month, Turkey said it had agreed to suspend "for a while" a search for oil and gas off a Greek island depending on the outcome of negotiations with Greece and EU heavyweight Germany.&nbsp;"They haven't kept their promises," Erdogan said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkish-women-rally-against-domestic-violence-318701/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The search for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has become a thorn in the relations between Turkey and the EU.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Turkey to be "sanctioned" and accused Ankara of treading on the rights of Greece and Cyprus, as all three nations scramble to exploit recently discovered gas reserves.

Ankara has said it is ready to negotiate with Athens without any preconditions.

Erdogan's comments come a day after Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean. "This agreement has no value," the Turkish leader said.&nbsp;

Turkey last year signed a deal with the UN-recognised government in Libya on maritime jurisdiction, with several countries accusing Ankara of trying to assert its dominance in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises. "We have resumed the drilling activity. We have sent (the vessel) Barbaros Hayrettin to the area," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers at Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia mosque. Last month, Turkey said it had agreed to suspend "for a while" a search for oil and gas off a Greek island depending on the outcome of negotiations with Greece and EU heavyweight Germany. "They haven't kept their promises," Erdogan said. The search for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has become a thorn in the relations between Turkey and the EU. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Turkey to be "sanctioned" and accused Ankara of treading on the rights of Greece and Cyprus, as all three nations scramble to exploit recently discovered gas reserves. Ankara has said it is ready to negotiate with Athens without any preconditions. Erdogan's comments come a day after Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean. "This agreement has no value," the Turkish leader said. Turkey last year signed a deal with the UN-recognised government in Libya on maritime jurisdiction, with several countries accusing Ankara of trying to assert its dominance in the region.

Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with&nbsp;an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres&nbsp;of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday.

The leak at the Lavera refinery spilled 200 gallons or more of iron chloride into the sea, American-owned chemical company Kem One, which runs the plant, said. Contact with iron chloride can harm eyes and mucous membranes, and ingesting it can be fatal.

Refinery officials said the problem at the processing plant in Martigues, near Marseille, was reported at 1:50 a.m. Thursday. They said the iron chloride spilled from a tank onto a faulty safety system, which flooded into the nearby sewage systems and into the sea.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-arctic-turned-red-after-russia-caused-worst-fuel-spill-303713">How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill</a>

The area of the Mediterranean where the chemical ended up is listed on a French inventory as an ecosystem of outstanding natural fauna and flora for its coral and sea life. Authorities at the scene said they observed fish that were killed by the spill.

The French Maritime Prefecture banned leisure boat cruising, swimming, fishing, and diving in about four miles of the along the coast surrounding the contaminated area until at least midnight Friday.&nbsp;

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About 40 firefighters dispatched to the site where unable to stop the chemical spill, the Marseille fire service said. The polluted area receded to 2.5 acres by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and by Friday morning, the brown color had all but disappeared from the sea's surface.

French environmental association Robin des Bois said it planned to file a legal complaint against plant officials for polluting the sea and other issues based on its damage assessment. The association said it suspects that coral and other sea creatures were burned or poisoned by the spilled iron chloride.

The group's spokesperson, Charlotte Nithart, said&nbsp;the plant ''has been on our radar for a few years” and needs a “profound inspection''&nbsp;of its storage capacity.

French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Twitter on Thursday ''the damage that will be determined will be repaired by those responsible for it.''

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Les services du ministère <a href="https://twitter.com/Ecologie_Gouv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ecologie_Gouv</a> sont sur place pour établir les circonstances de cette fuite et analyser ses conséquences sur les milieux naturels. Les dégâts qui seront constatés seront réparés par les responsables. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Martigues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Martigues</a> <a href="https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS">https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS</a>
— Barbara Pompili (@barbarapompili) <a href="https://twitter.com/barbarapompili/status/1286354437808820225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday.

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday. The leak at the Lavera refinery spilled 200 gallons or more of iron chloride into the sea, American-owned chemical company Kem One, which runs the plant, said. Contact with iron chloride can harm eyes and mucous membranes, and ingesting it can be fatal. Refinery officials said the problem at the processing plant in Martigues, near Marseille, was reported at 1:50 a.m. Thursday. They said the iron chloride spilled from a tank onto a faulty safety system, which flooded into the nearby sewage systems and into the sea. Also see: How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill The area of the Mediterranean where the chemical ended up is listed on a French inventory as an ecosystem of outstanding natural fauna and flora for its coral and sea life. Authorities at the scene said they observed fish that were killed by the spill. The French Maritime Prefecture banned leisure boat cruising, swimming, fishing, and diving in about four miles of the along the coast surrounding the contaminated area until at least midnight Friday. About 40 firefighters dispatched to the site where unable to stop the chemical spill, the Marseille fire service said. The polluted area receded to 2.5 acres by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and by Friday morning, the brown color had all but disappeared from the sea's surface. French environmental association Robin des Bois said it planned to file a legal complaint against plant officials for polluting the sea and other issues based on its damage assessment. The association said it suspects that coral and other sea creatures were burned or poisoned by the spilled iron chloride. The group's spokesperson, Charlotte Nithart, said the plant ''has been on our radar for a few years” and needs a “profound inspection'' of its storage capacity. French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Twitter on Thursday ''the damage that will be determined will be repaired by those responsible for it.'' Les services du ministère @Ecologie_Gouv sont sur place pour établir les circonstances de cette fuite et analyser ses conséquences sur les milieux naturels. Les dégâts qui seront constatés seront réparés par les responsables. #Martigues https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS — Barbara Pompili (@barbarapompili) July 23, 2020 ×

Toxic chemical paints French Mediterranean region orange-brown

Limited human activity amid lockdown improved Mediterranean marine life

Italy on Sunday authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to transfer 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to a ship in Sicily for quarantine.

They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday.

The Ocean Viking is now heading for the port where the migrants will be transferred to government-chartered ship the Moby Zaza for 14 days of quarantine.

The migrants include 25 children, most of whom are unaccompanied by adults, and two women, one of whom is pregnant.&nbsp;

"I can confirm that they're authorised to move to the Moby Zaza, likely tomorrow morning," Interior Ministry spokesman Dino Martirano told AFP.

The Ocean Viking, which has been in limbo in the Mediterranean south of Sicily, has been waiting for permission from Italy&nbsp;or Malta to offload the migrants at a safe port.&nbsp;

Tensions have risen in the past week with the migrants increasingly desperate to reach land. Others have become distraught at not being able to telephone their families to let them know they were safe.

The migrants, who include Pakistanis, North Africans, Eritreans, Nigerians and others, were picked up after fleeing Libya in four separate rescues by the Ocean Viking on June 25 and 30.&nbsp;

On Thursday, two migrants threw themselves into the Mediterranean, but were rescued.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Italy on Sunday authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to transfer 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to a ship in Sicily for quarantine. They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday.

Italy on Sunday authorised charity vessel Ocean Viking to transfer 180 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean to a ship in Sicily for quarantine. They have been on the Ocean Viking for over a week, with fights and suicide attempts on board prompting the charity to declare a state of emergency on Friday. The Ocean Viking is now heading for the port where the migrants will be transferred to government-chartered ship the Moby Zaza for 14 days of quarantine. The migrants include 25 children, most of whom are unaccompanied by adults, and two women, one of whom is pregnant. "I can confirm that they're authorised to move to the Moby Zaza, likely tomorrow morning," Interior Ministry spokesman Dino Martirano told AFP. The Ocean Viking, which has been in limbo in the Mediterranean south of Sicily, has been waiting for permission from Italy or Malta to offload the migrants at a safe port. Tensions have risen in the past week with the migrants increasingly desperate to reach land. Others have become distraught at not being able to telephone their families to let them know they were safe. The migrants, who include Pakistanis, North Africans, Eritreans, Nigerians and others, were picked up after fleeing Libya in four separate rescues by the Ocean Viking on June 25 and 30. On Thursday, two migrants threw themselves into the Mediterranean, but were rescued. (with inputs from AFP)

Italy to transfer migrants rescued in Mediterranean to ship for quarantine

The Eastern Mediterranean has become a flash-point for the meshing of geopolitics, the struggle for regional hegemony, battles for control of resources, religious soft power rivalry, and blatant interference in the politics of others.

The complex and dangerous juxtaposition of multiple conflicting interests broadens the focus beyond Russia when it comes to meddling in elections, to include countries like Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It blurs the lines between multiple conflicts such as the wars in Syria and Libya and the struggle for control of the Eastern Mediterranean’s newly found gas deposits. And it positions contested waters as the latest venue in which Russia and the West battle for influence.

Laying bare the multiple disputes being fought on the back of the Eastern Mediterranean with its natural gas reserves of 122 trillion cubic feet resembles peeling an onion.&nbsp;

Lining up on opposing sides are Middle Eastern, North African, and Eastern Mediterranean nations, Gulf states, Turkey, Russia, and Europe.

Perhaps, most fundamental is the degree to which Europe going forward will be able to reduce its dependence on Russian gas imports. Russia currently satisfies approximately 40 per cent of the European Union’s gas needs.

The ability to reduce Russian imports with gas from the Eastern Mediterranean potentially would allow Europe to adopt a more forceful stand in the struggle between Western liberalism and Russian civilisationalism that is likely to shape new world order.

EU dependence has so far prompted European nations to temper their defence of Western values against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s civilizational policies that include territory grabs in the Caucasus and Ukraine, intimidation of Central Asian nations, and support for Western far-right, neo-Nazi, and anti-immigration forces designed to weaken liberal democracy and strengthen groups more empathetic to the Russian leader’s worldview.

“The bad news is that the Moscow-Washington confrontation will continue; the good news is that there will be some guardrails built around it. . . .The Eastern Mediterranean, however, is emerging as an area where Russia, again, is competing with the West,” said Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Center.

Trenin argued that it was the Eastern Mediterranean rather than Ukraine, Crimea, the Baltics, the Arctic, or south-eastern Europe where the tension could flare the most.

If for some nations like Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon the struggle to control the Eastern Mediterranean’s resources is primarily about economics, for others, including Egypt and Israel it’s about projecting power. That is no truer than for Russia and Turkey, even if their interests against the backdrop of recently diverging positions on the battlefields of Libya and Syria, may differ rather than converge.

Turkey raised the stakes with its military backing of Libya’s internationally recognised Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi, Egyptian, and Russian-backed rebel leader Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA).

A GNA-Turkish maritime agreement that created an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean favouring expansive Turkish claims and the building of relations between Khalifa Haftar and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad link the war in Syria to the Eastern Mediterranean and the fighting in Libya. All at a time when Turkey and Russia manoeuvre to avoid a direct military clash in Idlib, the last stronghold of the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (SNA) rebels against Russian-backed Syrian government forces.

The economic zone, or EEZ, would block a planned pipeline that would link the EU to Israeli and Cypriot gas supplies.

If successfully enforced, the zone, coupled with Turkey’s military performance in Syria with the downing of three Syrian warplanes in as many days, would signal to regional hegemonic hopefuls, namely Saudi Arabia and the UAE, that financial muscle may not be enough to impose their will.

Ironically, one key to accommodation that could have reduced the risk of the ideological and geopolitical fuse blowing up and may have contributed to creating an environment of cooperation rather than confrontation lies on the divided island of Cyprus.

Turkey, beyond insisting that Turkish participation is a sine-qua-non for any successful exploitation of Eastern Mediterranean gas, has opposed a role for predominantly Greek-Cypriot Cyprus without the inclusion of the island’s self-declared independent Turkish Cypriot north.

Turkey, which has troops in the north ever since it invaded the island in 1974, is the only country to have recognised the region as an independent state.

The idea of including northern Cyprus may be a pie in the sky in an environment in which geopolitics is a zero-sum game with civilizationalists, nationalists, and autocrats leaving little space for power-sharing. And Europe is too preoccupied with internal problems, and most recently with a new looming Syrian refugee crisis, to project a cohesive and inclusive policy approach.

Scholar and commentator Hussein Ibish cautioned that “All the elements that have compelled the parties to the eastern Mediterranean natural gas competition to develop local alliances that are increasingly melding with other strategic, diplomatic, and political contests appears likely to continue.”

Ibish blamed tension in the Eastern Mediterranean on the “strongly pro-Islamist orientation” of Turkey as “a budding would-be regional economic and political hegemon” rather than on multiple would-be hegemons.

Nonetheless, his conclusion stands that in the Eastern Mediterranean “disputes arising over narrow issues such as natural gas reserves will continue to take on far broader significance.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The Eastern Mediterranean has become a flash-point for the meshing of geopolitics, the struggle for regional hegemony, battles for control of resources, religious soft power rivalry, and blatant interference in the politics of others.

The Eastern Mediterranean has become a flash-point for the meshing of geopolitics, the struggle for regional hegemony, battles for control of resources, religious soft power rivalry, and blatant interference in the politics of others. The complex and dangerous juxtaposition of multiple conflicting interests broadens the focus beyond Russia when it comes to meddling in elections, to include countries like Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It blurs the lines between multiple conflicts such as the wars in Syria and Libya and the struggle for control of the Eastern Mediterranean’s newly found gas deposits. And it positions contested waters as the latest venue in which Russia and the West battle for influence. Laying bare the multiple disputes being fought on the back of the Eastern Mediterranean with its natural gas reserves of 122 trillion cubic feet resembles peeling an onion. Lining up on opposing sides are Middle Eastern, North African, and Eastern Mediterranean nations, Gulf states, Turkey, Russia, and Europe. Perhaps, most fundamental is the degree to which Europe going forward will be able to reduce its dependence on Russian gas imports. Russia currently satisfies approximately 40 per cent of the European Union’s gas needs. The ability to reduce Russian imports with gas from the Eastern Mediterranean potentially would allow Europe to adopt a more forceful stand in the struggle between Western liberalism and Russian civilisationalism that is likely to shape new world order. EU dependence has so far prompted European nations to temper their defence of Western values against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s civilizational policies that include territory grabs in the Caucasus and Ukraine, intimidation of Central Asian nations, and support for Western far-right, neo-Nazi, and anti-immigration forces designed to weaken liberal democracy and strengthen groups more empathetic to the Russian leader’s worldview. “The bad news is that the Moscow-Washington confrontation will continue; the good news is that there will be some guardrails built around it. . . .The Eastern Mediterranean, however, is emerging as an area where Russia, again, is competing with the West,” said Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Center. Trenin argued that it was the Eastern Mediterranean rather than Ukraine, Crimea, the Baltics, the Arctic, or south-eastern Europe where the tension could flare the most. If for some nations like Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon the struggle to control the Eastern Mediterranean’s resources is primarily about economics, for others, including Egypt and Israel it’s about projecting power. That is no truer than for Russia and Turkey, even if their interests against the backdrop of recently diverging positions on the battlefields of Libya and Syria, may differ rather than converge. Turkey raised the stakes with its military backing of Libya’s internationally recognised Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi, Egyptian, and Russian-backed rebel leader Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA). A GNA-Turkish maritime agreement that created an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean favouring expansive Turkish claims and the building of relations between Khalifa Haftar and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad link the war in Syria to the Eastern Mediterranean and the fighting in Libya. All at a time when Turkey and Russia manoeuvre to avoid a direct military clash in Idlib, the last stronghold of the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (SNA) rebels against Russian-backed Syrian government forces. The economic zone, or EEZ, would block a planned pipeline that would link the EU to Israeli and Cypriot gas supplies. If successfully enforced, the zone, coupled with Turkey’s military performance in Syria with the downing of three Syrian warplanes in as many days, would signal to regional hegemonic hopefuls, namely Saudi Arabia and the UAE, that financial muscle may not be enough to impose their will. Ironically, one key to accommodation that could have reduced the risk of the ideological and geopolitical fuse blowing up and may have contributed to creating an environment of cooperation rather than confrontation lies on the divided island of Cyprus. Turkey, beyond insisting that Turkish participation is a sine-qua-non for any successful exploitation of Eastern Mediterranean gas, has opposed a role for predominantly Greek-Cypriot Cyprus without the inclusion of the island’s self-declared independent Turkish Cypriot north. Turkey, which has troops in the north ever since it invaded the island in 1974, is the only country to have recognised the region as an independent state. The idea of including northern Cyprus may be a pie in the sky in an environment in which geopolitics is a zero-sum game with civilizationalists, nationalists, and autocrats leaving little space for power-sharing. And Europe is too preoccupied with internal problems, and most recently with a new looming Syrian refugee crisis, to project a cohesive and inclusive policy approach. Scholar and commentator Hussein Ibish cautioned that “All the elements that have compelled the parties to the eastern Mediterranean natural gas competition to develop local alliances that are increasingly melding with other strategic, diplomatic, and political contests appears likely to continue.” Ibish blamed tension in the Eastern Mediterranean on the “strongly pro-Islamist orientation” of Turkey as “a budding would-be regional economic and political hegemon” rather than on multiple would-be hegemons. Nonetheless, his conclusion stands that in the Eastern Mediterranean “disputes arising over narrow issues such as natural gas reserves will continue to take on far broader significance.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Eastern Mediterranean region: A microcosm of regional and global battles

The organisation running a charity ship in the Mediterranean voiced hope Wednesday for a safe port for its 356 rescued migrants after another NGO vessel docked in Italy, ending a week-long standoff.

The Ocean Viking operated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-sends-warship-to-pick-up-migrants-off-italys-coast-244491">French charities SOS </a>Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been holding its position for 10 days between Malta and Lampedusa, asking for a safe port.

"As maritime law stipulates, we've been asking Italian and Maltese search and rescue coordination centres for a safe port since we made our first rescue on August 9," said Frederic Penard, head of operations for SOS Mediterranee.

"For the time being we've had no reply from Italy and a rather negative one from Malta," he said.

The crew have been at pains not to relate the travails of the Open Arms charity rescue vessel which finally disembarked its 83 migrants on Italy's Lampedusa island overnight Tuesday.

They were allowed to disembark after a local prosecutor ordered the ship seized as part of a probe into far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for preventing the ship docking.

Many had been on the Open Arms for 19 days.

The Ocean Viking crew did not want a repeat of scenes aboard the Open Arms which saw desperate migrants jumping into the sea in the hope of swimming to Lampedusa, although word has now spread that that ship has docked.

"We know that several European states want to end these ad hoc solutions and set up a system" to handle migrants," said Penard.

"That's what we're asking for but these people must disembark now: you can't have negotiations when you've got more than 300 people trapped at sea in difficult conditions."

Malta at the last minute blocked the vessel from approaching to take water and fuel, so the Ocean Viking and those on board are trying to consume as little as possible.

Many of those on board have fled war zones or been tortured and abused in Libya.

"Not only are these people continuing to suffer from a prolonged sea journey, but others will continue to die because we're prevented from continuing our rescue operations," said MSF's head of mission in Libya, Sam Turner.

According to the Libyan coastguard, "around half of the boats which set off are lost at sea, meaning hundreds of people are disappearing without a trace", said Turner.

 
&nbsp;

The organisation running a charity ship in the Mediterranean voiced hope Wednesday for a safe port for its 356 rescued migrants after another NGO vessel docked in Italy, ending a week-long standoff.

The organisation running a charity ship in the Mediterranean voiced hope Wednesday for a safe port for its 356 rescued migrants after another NGO vessel docked in Italy, ending a week-long standoff. The Ocean Viking operated by French charities SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been holding its position for 10 days between Malta and Lampedusa, asking for a safe port. "As maritime law stipulates, we've been asking Italian and Maltese search and rescue coordination centres for a safe port since we made our first rescue on August 9," said Frederic Penard, head of operations for SOS Mediterranee. "For the time being we've had no reply from Italy and a rather negative one from Malta," he said. The crew have been at pains not to relate the travails of the Open Arms charity rescue vessel which finally disembarked its 83 migrants on Italy's Lampedusa island overnight Tuesday. They were allowed to disembark after a local prosecutor ordered the ship seized as part of a probe into far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for preventing the ship docking. Many had been on the Open Arms for 19 days. The Ocean Viking crew did not want a repeat of scenes aboard the Open Arms which saw desperate migrants jumping into the sea in the hope of swimming to Lampedusa, although word has now spread that that ship has docked. "We know that several European states want to end these ad hoc solutions and set up a system" to handle migrants," said Penard. "That's what we're asking for but these people must disembark now: you can't have negotiations when you've got more than 300 people trapped at sea in difficult conditions." Malta at the last minute blocked the vessel from approaching to take water and fuel, so the Ocean Viking and those on board are trying to consume as little as possible. Many of those on board have fled war zones or been tortured and abused in Libya. "Not only are these people continuing to suffer from a prolonged sea journey, but others will continue to die because we're prevented from continuing our rescue operations," said MSF's head of mission in Libya, Sam Turner. According to the Libyan coastguard, "around half of the boats which set off are lost at sea, meaning hundreds of people are disappearing without a trace", said Turner.

Charity ship seeks port for 356 rescued migrants in the Mediterranean

The UK had seized grace 1 on July 4 in the Mediterranean

Your Story: Iran-UK Oil Tanker Seizure Row

Libya's Red Crescent said Friday its rescue workers had recovered the bodies of 62 migrants a day after one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/115-people-feared-drowned-134-rescued-after-migrant-boat-capsize-libya-navy-238614">deadliest shipwrecks</a> this year in the Mediterranean.

"Our Red Crescent teams have pulled 62 migrants" from the water since Thursday evening, the head of the unit Abdelmoneim Abu Sbeih said.

Aid agencies on Thursday said more than 100 migrants were missing after their boat sank off the Libyan coast.

In one of the deadliest shipwrecks this year in the Mediterranean, 145 migrants were rescued but scores of others were feared drowned after their flimsy boat went down off Khoms, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Tripoli.

Despite the high number of those missing, estimated at more than 110 by the International Organization for Migration (OIM), the Libyan coast guard does not have the capabilities to launch a high seas search.

"There were bodies floating on the surface of the water where the boat went down" on Thursday, said one of the fishermen who were the first on the scene to rescue survivors.

Libyan navy spokesman General Ayoub Kacem said most of the rescued migrants were from Eritrea, although Palestinians and Sudanese were also among the group waiting to be taken on to reception centres.

In general, humanitarian agencies provide medical care and food for survivors, who are then transported to Libyan detention centres.

Amnesty International lambasted the European Union over the latest deaths.

"This high number represents a new low for European leaders. They have done everything they can to pull up the drawbridge to Europe," it said, "yet people are still risking their lives to come to Europe".

Libya's Red Crescent said Friday its rescue workers had recovered the bodies of 62 migrants a day after one of the deadliest shipwrecks this year in the Mediterranean.

Libya's Red Crescent said Friday its rescue workers had recovered the bodies of 62 migrants a day after one of the deadliest shipwrecks this year in the Mediterranean. "Our Red Crescent teams have pulled 62 migrants" from the water since Thursday evening, the head of the unit Abdelmoneim Abu Sbeih said. Aid agencies on Thursday said more than 100 migrants were missing after their boat sank off the Libyan coast. In one of the deadliest shipwrecks this year in the Mediterranean, 145 migrants were rescued but scores of others were feared drowned after their flimsy boat went down off Khoms, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Tripoli. Despite the high number of those missing, estimated at more than 110 by the International Organization for Migration (OIM), the Libyan coast guard does not have the capabilities to launch a high seas search. "There were bodies floating on the surface of the water where the boat went down" on Thursday, said one of the fishermen who were the first on the scene to rescue survivors. Libyan navy spokesman General Ayoub Kacem said most of the rescued migrants were from Eritrea, although Palestinians and Sudanese were also among the group waiting to be taken on to reception centres. In general, humanitarian agencies provide medical care and food for survivors, who are then transported to Libyan detention centres. Amnesty International lambasted the European Union over the latest deaths. "This high number represents a new low for European leaders. They have done everything they can to pull up the drawbridge to Europe," it said, "yet people are still risking their lives to come to Europe".

Rescuers retrieve 62 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libya

A private search vessel has located a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean more than 50 years ago, officials said Monday, raising hopes the mystery over the disappearance can finally be solved.

"It's a success, a relief, and a technical feat," Defence minister Florence Parly wrote on Twitter, after the wreck was discovered off the southern French port of Toulon.

"I am thinking of the families who have waited for this moment for so long."&nbsp;

The Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 17, 1968.

Despite multiple search efforts over the years, it had never been found.

Parly announced a new search mission at the beginning of 2019, backed by the latest technology and naval vessels, following fresh demands from the families of deceased sailors to find the remains of their loved ones.

Tides and currents in the western Mediterranean were modelled by the team, while data from the time of the accident was also re-analysed, including seismic reports indicating the likely implosion of the vessel as it dropped to the seabed.

But the discovery was ultimately made by a boat belonging to private US company Ocean Infinity, which found the Minerve 45 kilometres (30 miles) from Toulon at a depth of 2,370 metres (7,800 feet), a senior French naval officer told AFP.

The boat, the Seabed Constructor, arrived on the scene last Tuesday, the officer said on condition of anonymity.

The Seabed Constructor was also successful in locating Argentina's lost San Juan submarine in November 2018 which had disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean a year earlier.

Naval mystery&nbsp;

The cause of the accident involving the Minerve has never been announced.

Experts have speculated that it could have been due to a problem with its rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems.

The 1960s were deadly times for submarine crews, with a host of accidents reported around the world.

In April 1963, the nuclear-powered USS Thresher sank with 129 people aboard off Cape Cod, while 99 lives were lost in the USS Scorpion when it sank in the Atlantic five years later.&nbsp;

Also in 1968, the Soviet K-129 submarine armed with three nuclear missiles was lost in the North Pacific. It was found by the US in a covert operation in 1974.

The year 1968 was also marked by the disappearance of The Dakar, an Israeli vessel carrying out its maiden voyage with 69 men on board.

It disappeared and was only found off the Greek island of Crete in 1999.

A private search vessel has located a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean more than 50 years ago, officials said Monday, raising hopes the mystery over the disappearance can finally be solved.

A private search vessel has located a French submarine that went missing in the western Mediterranean more than 50 years ago, officials said Monday, raising hopes the mystery over the disappearance can finally be solved. "It's a success, a relief, and a technical feat," Defence minister Florence Parly wrote on Twitter, after the wreck was discovered off the southern French port of Toulon. "I am thinking of the families who have waited for this moment for so long." The Minerve submarine was lost off France's southern coast with 52 sailors on board on January 17, 1968. Despite multiple search efforts over the years, it had never been found. Parly announced a new search mission at the beginning of 2019, backed by the latest technology and naval vessels, following fresh demands from the families of deceased sailors to find the remains of their loved ones. Tides and currents in the western Mediterranean were modelled by the team, while data from the time of the accident was also re-analysed, including seismic reports indicating the likely implosion of the vessel as it dropped to the seabed. But the discovery was ultimately made by a boat belonging to private US company Ocean Infinity, which found the Minerve 45 kilometres (30 miles) from Toulon at a depth of 2,370 metres (7,800 feet), a senior French naval officer told AFP. The boat, the Seabed Constructor, arrived on the scene last Tuesday, the officer said on condition of anonymity. The Seabed Constructor was also successful in locating Argentina's lost San Juan submarine in November 2018 which had disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean a year earlier. Naval mystery The cause of the accident involving the Minerve has never been announced. Experts have speculated that it could have been due to a problem with its rudder, a collision with another boat, the explosion of a missile or torpedo, or a fault with its oxygen supply systems. The 1960s were deadly times for submarine crews, with a host of accidents reported around the world. In April 1963, the nuclear-powered USS Thresher sank with 129 people aboard off Cape Cod, while 99 lives were lost in the USS Scorpion when it sank in the Atlantic five years later. Also in 1968, the Soviet K-129 submarine armed with three nuclear missiles was lost in the North Pacific. It was found by the US in a covert operation in 1974. The year 1968 was also marked by the disappearance of The Dakar, an Israeli vessel carrying out its maiden voyage with 69 men on board. It disappeared and was only found off the Greek island of Crete in 1999.

French submarine lost in 1968 located in Mediterranean

Three men will face trial in Malta for their alleged involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after the island's attorney general issued a bill of indictment against them, court officials said on Tuesday.

The indictment comes days before a deadline that requires suspects who have not been formally committed for trial within 20 months of arrest to be granted bail.

Vincent Muscat and brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio are accused of having planted and set off a bomb that exploded in Caruana Galizia's car near the Maltese capital Valletta on Oct. 16, 2017. All three suspects have pleaded not guilty during pre-trial proceedings known as the compilation of evidence, held before a magistrate.

It is not known when the trial will start.

The murder of Caruana Galizia, who penned an anti-corruption blog, appalled Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the Mediterranean island.

Muscat and the Degiorgios were arrested and charged in December 2017 and have been in detention ever since. The courts have turned down repeated requests for bail citing the continuing police investigation and public order.

Maltese police have said their investigations are continuing as the three are not thought to have been the masterminds behind the killing, the motive for which is unknown.

The three suspects have not said a word to the police, according to usually well-informed Maltese media.

Evidence presented in court by prosecutors over the last two years has suggested that Caruana Galizia, 53, was blown up by a bomb activated by a mobile phone.

Muscat was allegedly the spotter who watched the journalist drive out of her house in Bidnija, seven miles from Valletta, while one of the Degiorgio brothers is alleged to have set off the bomb by phone while on a yacht in Valletta harbour.

Officers from the US&nbsp;Federal Bureau of Investigations and Europol have helped Malta police investigate the case.

Caruana Galizia's family has repeatedly called on Malta's government to hold an independent public inquiry into the murder and into whether the government could have acted to prevent it.

The Council of Europe backed their call in a report last June and said an inquiry should be held within three months.

The government has said that a public inquiry could hinder the continuing police investigations, although the foreign minister has indicated that an inquiry might be held.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, a frequent target of Caruana Galizia's writings, has offered a million euro ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.

Three men will face trial in Malta for their alleged involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after the island's attorney general issued a bill of indictment against them, court officials said on Tuesday.

Three men will face trial in Malta for their alleged involvement in the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after the island's attorney general issued a bill of indictment against them, court officials said on Tuesday. The indictment comes days before a deadline that requires suspects who have not been formally committed for trial within 20 months of arrest to be granted bail. Vincent Muscat and brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio are accused of having planted and set off a bomb that exploded in Caruana Galizia's car near the Maltese capital Valletta on Oct. 16, 2017. All three suspects have pleaded not guilty during pre-trial proceedings known as the compilation of evidence, held before a magistrate. It is not known when the trial will start. The murder of Caruana Galizia, who penned an anti-corruption blog, appalled Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the Mediterranean island. Muscat and the Degiorgios were arrested and charged in December 2017 and have been in detention ever since. The courts have turned down repeated requests for bail citing the continuing police investigation and public order. Maltese police have said their investigations are continuing as the three are not thought to have been the masterminds behind the killing, the motive for which is unknown. The three suspects have not said a word to the police, according to usually well-informed Maltese media. Evidence presented in court by prosecutors over the last two years has suggested that Caruana Galizia, 53, was blown up by a bomb activated by a mobile phone. Muscat was allegedly the spotter who watched the journalist drive out of her house in Bidnija, seven miles from Valletta, while one of the Degiorgio brothers is alleged to have set off the bomb by phone while on a yacht in Valletta harbour. Officers from the US Federal Bureau of Investigations and Europol have helped Malta police investigate the case. Caruana Galizia's family has repeatedly called on Malta's government to hold an independent public inquiry into the murder and into whether the government could have acted to prevent it. The Council of Europe backed their call in a report last June and said an inquiry should be held within three months. The government has said that a public inquiry could hinder the continuing police investigations, although the foreign minister has indicated that an inquiry might be held. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, a frequent target of Caruana Galizia's writings, has offered a million euro ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.

Malta sends three suspects for trial on charges of killing anti-corruption journalist

Migrants are human beings who symbolise all those rejected by globalisation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-libya-peace-return-of-refugees-to-syria-212319">Pope Francis</a> told a special mass on Monday, saying "the weakest and most vulnerable must be helped".

"These least ones are abandoned and cheated into dying in the desert," the pope told the mass to mark the sixth anniversary of the pope's visit to Lampedusa, where many asylum seekers arrive after a perilous sea journey from Libya.

"These least ones are tortured, abused and violated in detention camps, these least ones face the waves of an unforgiving sea," the pope told the mass, attended by 250 people including migrants, asylum seekers, and rescue workers.

Italy has in recent weeks been trying to keep its ports closed to charity ships which have rescued migrants from the Mediterranean, usually shipwrecked after leaving war-torn and lawless Libya.

"They are persons, these are not merely social or migrant issues!" the pope said.

Italy's far-right Interior Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-rescue-sailboat-defies-italys-salvini-docks-in-italy-233653">Matteo Salvini</a> has regularly used social media to attack migrants and the NGOs that help them.

"Migrants are first of all human persons, and... they are the symbol of all those rejected by today’s globalised society," the pope said.

Francis travelled to Lampedusa in July 2013, four months after he was elected but before the 2013-2017 wave of migrant arrivals and shipwrecks, condemning "the globalisation of indifference" towards migrants.

Since then, the pope has repeatedly called for the welcoming of migrants fleeing war or poverty.

Unfortunately, he said, the outskirts of Italian cities were "densely populated with persons who have been thrown away, marginalised, oppressed, discriminated against, abused, exploited, abandoned, poor and suffering".

Migrants are human beings who symbolise all those rejected by globalisation, Pope Francis told a special mass on Monday, saying "the weakest and most vulnerable must be helped".

Migrants are human beings who symbolise all those rejected by globalisation, Pope Francis told a special mass on Monday, saying "the weakest and most vulnerable must be helped". "These least ones are abandoned and cheated into dying in the desert," the pope told the mass to mark the sixth anniversary of the pope's visit to Lampedusa, where many asylum seekers arrive after a perilous sea journey from Libya. "These least ones are tortured, abused and violated in detention camps, these least ones face the waves of an unforgiving sea," the pope told the mass, attended by 250 people including migrants, asylum seekers, and rescue workers. Italy has in recent weeks been trying to keep its ports closed to charity ships which have rescued migrants from the Mediterranean, usually shipwrecked after leaving war-torn and lawless Libya. "They are persons, these are not merely social or migrant issues!" the pope said. Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has regularly used social media to attack migrants and the NGOs that help them. "Migrants are first of all human persons, and... they are the symbol of all those rejected by today’s globalised society," the pope said. Francis travelled to Lampedusa in July 2013, four months after he was elected but before the 2013-2017 wave of migrant arrivals and shipwrecks, condemning "the globalisation of indifference" towards migrants. Since then, the pope has repeatedly called for the welcoming of migrants fleeing war or poverty. Unfortunately, he said, the outskirts of Italian cities were "densely populated with persons who have been thrown away, marginalised, oppressed, discriminated against, abused, exploited, abandoned, poor and suffering".

Pope Francis says migrants symbol of 'all who are rejected by globalisation'

Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-decision-excellent-supertanker-was-laden-with-iran-oil-bound-for-syria-us-233122">oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar</a>, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States.

A senior foreign ministry official "described the UK move as unacceptable" in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement.

He "called for the immediate release of the oil tanker, given that it has been seized at the request of the US, based on the information currently available", the statement added.

Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

The detention of the 330-metre Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it is poised to breach the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in a troubled 2015 nuclear deal.

The Grace 1 tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines.

The ship was detained four kilometres&nbsp;south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish.

It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels.

"We have reason to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement.

"That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria.

"We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said.

At US request

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States.

In a statement, Britain's Foreign Office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime".

European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011.

The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians.

It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the EU.

The tanker's detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead.

Tehran took the action in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

The unilateral move has sent tensions in the Gulf soaring as the administration of President Donald Trump forges ahead with a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran in coordination with its Middle East allies Israel and Saudi Arabia.

White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, a champion of the hawkish policy towards Tehran, applauded the interception of the supertanker.

"Excellent news: UK has detained the supertanker Grace I laden with Iranian oil bound for Syria in violation of EU sanctions," Bolton tweeted.&nbsp;

According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analyses vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil.

It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States. A senior foreign ministry official "described the UK move as unacceptable" in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement.

Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States. A senior foreign ministry official "described the UK move as unacceptable" in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement. He "called for the immediate release of the oil tanker, given that it has been seized at the request of the US, based on the information currently available", the statement added. Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. The detention of the 330-metre Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it is poised to breach the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in a troubled 2015 nuclear deal. The Grace 1 tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines. The ship was detained four kilometres south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish. It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels. "We have reason to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement. "That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria. "We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said. At US request Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States. In a statement, Britain's Foreign Office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime". European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011. The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians. It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the EU. The tanker's detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead. Tehran took the action in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions. The unilateral move has sent tensions in the Gulf soaring as the administration of President Donald Trump forges ahead with a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran in coordination with its Middle East allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, a champion of the hawkish policy towards Tehran, applauded the interception of the supertanker. "Excellent news: UK has detained the supertanker Grace I laden with Iranian oil bound for Syria in violation of EU sanctions," Bolton tweeted. According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analyses vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil. It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Iran demands Britain release oil tanker held in Gibraltar

A Maltese armed forces patrol boat picked up more than 200 migrants from two dinghies in the Mediterranean and was bringing them to Malta on Saturday, a spokesman said.

At least one pregnant woman and a number of children were believed to be among the 216 rescued migrants. Their nationality was not known.

An AFM spokesman said a patrol boat had been deployed to a sinking dinghy south of Malta on Friday. After picking up the migrants, it was diverted to a second dinghy while on its way to Malta, picking up those migrants as well.

The armed forces said that with good weather conditions prevailing, departures of migrants from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-in-libya-attack-claimed-by-islamic-state-report-219694">Libya</a>, Tunisia, and Algeria had increased in the past two days, resulting in 12 migrant boats arriving in Sicily, Sardinia, and Lampedusa.

The Libyan coast guard said on Friday it had rescued 290 migrants from inflatable rafts near the capital Tripoli.

A Maltese armed forces patrol boat picked up more than 200 migrants from two dinghies in the Mediterranean and was bringing them to Malta on Saturday, a spokesman said.

A Maltese armed forces patrol boat picked up more than 200 migrants from two dinghies in the Mediterranean and was bringing them to Malta on Saturday, a spokesman said. At least one pregnant woman and a number of children were believed to be among the 216 rescued migrants. Their nationality was not known. An AFM spokesman said a patrol boat had been deployed to a sinking dinghy south of Malta on Friday. After picking up the migrants, it was diverted to a second dinghy while on its way to Malta, picking up those migrants as well. The armed forces said that with good weather conditions prevailing, departures of migrants from Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria had increased in the past two days, resulting in 12 migrant boats arriving in Sicily, Sardinia, and Lampedusa. The Libyan coast guard said on Friday it had rescued 290 migrants from inflatable rafts near the capital Tripoli.

Malta rescues 216 migrants in upsurge of Mediterranean crossings

More than 2,000 migrants have died since January trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the UN said Tuesday, adding that more than half of them were headed for Italy.

"The number of lives lost on the Mediterranean this year has now exceeded 2000" after 17 people were found dead off the Spanish coast this week, said Charlie Yaxley, spokesperson for the UNHCR refugee agency.

He said some 105,000 migrants and refugees seeking asylum have reached Europe so far this year, representing a drop to pre-2014 levels.&nbsp;

But the drownings this year mean that the rate of deaths has escalated sharply.

The UNHCR "has called repeatedly for urgent action to address this situation," he said.

"The Mediterranean has for several years been the world’s deadliest sea route for refugees and migrants. That it continues to be so should be unacceptable to all."

A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, Joel Millman, said it was the fifth consecutive year that arrivals have topped 100,000.

But he noted that in previous years that threshold was crossed much earlier in the year.

Last year that figure was reached in July, as it was in 2014. In 2015, arrivals topped 100,000 by June and in 2016 it was in February.

Spain was the top destination for migrants and refugees this year, with more than 49,000 arrivals by sea, ahead of Greece with more 27,700 and Italy with over 22,160.

But of the more than 2,000 who died, some 1,260 were en route to Italy, according to the IOM.

Many of the migrants make the perilous crossing on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.

Yaxley also said the UNHCR remains "very concerned about the legal and logistical restrictions that have been placed on a number of NGOs wishing to conduct search and rescue operations" in the Mediterranean.

These included operations by the civilian rescue ship the Aquarius, which was chartered by the charities Doctors without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee.

More than 2,000 migrants have died since January trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the UN said Tuesday, adding that more than half of them were headed for Italy.

More than 2,000 migrants have died since January trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, the UN said Tuesday, adding that more than half of them were headed for Italy. "The number of lives lost on the Mediterranean this year has now exceeded 2000" after 17 people were found dead off the Spanish coast this week, said Charlie Yaxley, spokesperson for the UNHCR refugee agency. He said some 105,000 migrants and refugees seeking asylum have reached Europe so far this year, representing a drop to pre-2014 levels. But the drownings this year mean that the rate of deaths has escalated sharply. The UNHCR "has called repeatedly for urgent action to address this situation," he said. "The Mediterranean has for several years been the world’s deadliest sea route for refugees and migrants. That it continues to be so should be unacceptable to all." A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, Joel Millman, said it was the fifth consecutive year that arrivals have topped 100,000. But he noted that in previous years that threshold was crossed much earlier in the year. Last year that figure was reached in July, as it was in 2014. In 2015, arrivals topped 100,000 by June and in 2016 it was in February. Spain was the top destination for migrants and refugees this year, with more than 49,000 arrivals by sea, ahead of Greece with more 27,700 and Italy with over 22,160. But of the more than 2,000 who died, some 1,260 were en route to Italy, according to the IOM. Many of the migrants make the perilous crossing on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. Yaxley also said the UNHCR remains "very concerned about the legal and logistical restrictions that have been placed on a number of NGOs wishing to conduct search and rescue operations" in the Mediterranean. These included operations by the civilian rescue ship the Aquarius, which was chartered by the charities Doctors without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee.

More than 2,000 migrants drown in Mediterranean this year: UN

Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock.

It is unclear if the gesture marks a change in policy in Madrid under new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez or whether it will have a "pull effect" that draws more migrants to Spain.

Here are some key facts about migrant arrivals in Spain:

Arrivals by sea double &nbsp

Since the start of the year, over 9,300 migrants reached Spain's shores by sea, more than double the figure for the same period last year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The number of migrants who died while trying to reach Spain by sea has more than quadrupled to 244 as of June 10 from 61 last year during the same period.

Most migrants travel in packed boats from Morocco's northern shore to Spain's southern coast, a distance of over 100 kilometres (60 miles) depending on the route.

Spain was the third most popular destination for migrants in the European Union last year after Italy and Greece.

What happens after they arrive?&nbsp

After passing through a police station to be identified, migrants are usually taken to one of seven longer-term immigration detention centres where they wait for up to 60 days for their fate to be decided.

Some 8,800 people passed through these centres last year, according to official figures. Human rights Watch and other rights groups complain that migrants are held in poor conditions in these centres and face obstacles in applying for asylum.

"A lot of people are released into the streets after 72 hours (at a police station), because currently there are no more places in the centres," Carlos Arce, migration coordinator at the Human Rights Association of Andalusia (APDHA), told AFP.

These migrants are left to fend for themselves, without any follow-up or help from the government, he added.

For those who manage to formally seek asylum, the system is saturated.

Is there a 'siren call' risk?

The government's decision to take in the migrants from the Aquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranee, has been generally well received in Spain, with dozens of cities and regions offering to give them shelter.

But the conservative Popular Party which ran Spain for six years, until they were ousted in a no-confidence vote on June 1, quickly sounded the alarm that the move would act as a "siren call" for more migrants.

While the number of migrants arriving in Spain by sea has doubled, in Italy arrivals by sea have dropped by 73 percent over the same period last year to 14,330 as of June 10, according to IOM figures.

Change in policy? 

Sanchez cited "humanitarian reasons" for agreeing to accept the migrants from the Aquarius ship. The gesture contrasted with the policy under his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy whose government was often accused of only reluctantly accepting migrants.

"Spain is far from respecting the quota of migrants that has been assigned each country" by the European Commission, Spanish foreign Minister Josep Borrell said Wednesday.

The country pledged to receive 9,323 refugees who arrived in Greece and Italy but as of May 31 it had only welcomed 1,359, according to the Commission.

Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock

Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in the 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock. It is unclear if the gesture marks a change in policy in Madrid under new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez or whether it will have a "pull effect" that draws more migrants to Spain. Here are some key facts about migrant arrivals in Spain: Arrivals by sea double Since the start of the year, over 9,300 migrants reached Spain's shores by sea, more than double the figure for the same period last year, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The number of migrants who died while trying to reach Spain by sea has more than quadrupled to 244 as of June 10 from 61 last year during the same period. Most migrants travel in packed boats from Morocco's northern shore to Spain's southern coast, a distance of over 100 kilometres (60 miles) depending on the route. Spain was the third most popular destination for migrants in the European Union last year after Italy and Greece. What happens after they arrive? After passing through a police station to be identified, migrants are usually taken to one of seven longer-term immigration detention centres where they wait for up to 60 days for their fate to be decided. Some 8,800 people passed through these centres last year, according to official figures. Human rights Watch and other rights groups complain that migrants are held in poor conditions in these centres and face obstacles in applying for asylum. "A lot of people are released into the streets after 72 hours (at a police station), because currently there are no more places in the centres," Carlos Arce, migration coordinator at the Human Rights Association of Andalusia (APDHA), told AFP. These migrants are left to fend for themselves, without any follow-up or help from the government, he added. For those who manage to formally seek asylum, the system is saturated. Is there a 'siren call' risk? The government's decision to take in the migrants from the Aquarius, operated by SOS Mediterranee, has been generally well received in Spain, with dozens of cities and regions offering to give them shelter. But the conservative Popular Party which ran Spain for six years, until they were ousted in a no-confidence vote on June 1, quickly sounded the alarm that the move would act as a "siren call" for more migrants. While the number of migrants arriving in Spain by sea has doubled, in Italy arrivals by sea have dropped by 73 percent over the same period last year to 14,330 as of June 10, according to IOM figures. Change in policy? Sanchez cited "humanitarian reasons" for agreeing to accept the migrants from the Aquarius ship. The gesture contrasted with the policy under his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy whose government was often accused of only reluctantly accepting migrants. "Spain is far from respecting the quota of migrants that has been assigned each country" by the European Commission, Spanish foreign Minister Josep Borrell said Wednesday. The country pledged to receive 9,323 refugees who arrived in Greece and Italy but as of May 31 it had only welcomed 1,359, according to the Commission.

Migrants in Spain find difficult situation

Spain's maritime rescue service said Sunday it had rescued 408 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from north Africa this weekend.

The service said its rescue boats intercepted 115 migrants travelling in five small boats in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, a day after it pulled 293 migrants from nine vessels.

The maritime service is tracking three other boats carrying "a significant number of migrants" in the Alboran Sea east of the Strait of Gibraltar, a maritime rescue service spokesman told AFP.

Spain is the third busiest gateway for migrants arriving in Europe, still far behind Italy but catching up fast with Greece.

Many Africans undertaking the long route to Europe are choosing to avoid crossing danger-ridden Libya to get to Italy along the so-called central Mediterranean route, choosing instead to get there via Morocco and Spain.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 22,400 people arrived in Spain by sea last year, nearly triple the number for 2016. Some 223 people died along the way.

The service said its rescue boats intercepted 115 migrants travelling in five small boats in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, a day after it pulled 293 migrants from nine vessels

Spain's maritime rescue service said Sunday it had rescued 408 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from north Africa this weekend. The service said its rescue boats intercepted 115 migrants travelling in five small boats in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, a day after it pulled 293 migrants from nine vessels. The maritime service is tracking three other boats carrying "a significant number of migrants" in the Alboran Sea east of the Strait of Gibraltar, a maritime rescue service spokesman told AFP. Spain is the third busiest gateway for migrants arriving in Europe, still far behind Italy but catching up fast with Greece. Many Africans undertaking the long route to Europe are choosing to avoid crossing danger-ridden Libya to get to Italy along the so-called central Mediterranean route, choosing instead to get there via Morocco and Spain. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 22,400 people arrived in Spain by sea last year, nearly triple the number for 2016. Some 223 people died along the way.

Spain rescues over 400 migrants in Mediterranean

At least 64 African migrants are presumed dead after a traffickers&#39;&nbsp;rubber dinghy from Libya sank in the Mediterranean sea.

Among the migrants was a mother of a three-year-old who clung to her as she drowned, local media said on Monday.

A United Nations migration agency official said that 86 people were rescued from the boat by the Italian Coast Guard after it started sinking on Saturday morning.

Flavio Di Giacomo of the International Organization for Migration on Monday said that 150 plus people were aboard the boat when it set out from a Libyan beach.

He claimed that the dinghy was packed and made of poor quality rubber.

Local media reported saying that some eight hours into the Mediterranean crossing, &quot;water started pouring in, panic ensued, the migrants all moved to one side, and the boat lost its balance and was deflating.&quot;

Among the migrants was a mother of a three-year-old who clung to her as she drowned

At least 64 African migrants are presumed dead after a traffickers' rubber dinghy from Libya sank in the Mediterranean sea. Among the migrants was a mother of a three-year-old who clung to her as she drowned, local media said on Monday. A United Nations migration agency official said that 86 people were rescued from the boat by the Italian Coast Guard after it started sinking on Saturday morning. Flavio Di Giacomo of the International Organization for Migration on Monday said that 150 plus people were aboard the boat when it set out from a Libyan beach. He claimed that the dinghy was packed and made of poor quality rubber. Local media reported saying that some eight hours into the Mediterranean crossing, "water started pouring in, panic ensued, the migrants all moved to one side, and the boat lost its balance and was deflating."

64 feared dead after smuggling boat sinks in Mediterranean

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