Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions.

Mediterranean row: Turkey ready for talks with Greece

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

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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 and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas.

The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries.

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/turkeys-bid-to-become-maritime-powerhouse-unsettles-mediterranean-322473">Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean</a>

Greece said Monday that it will conduct a navy and air force exercise in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is prospecting for oil and gas in an area as the neighboring countries remain locked in a dispute over offshore energy rights.

The country and its European Union ally France, both dispatched their own naval assets to the area to monitor Turkey's work.

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 foreign ministers convened an emergency videoconference on the emerging crisis when a Turkish frigate collided with a Greek one in disputed circumstances days into the Oruc Reis mission.

Germany has taken the lead in trying to calm a dispute that threatens to complicate EU nations' efforts to tap new sources of energy that can reduce their dependence on countries such as Russia.

Its foreign minister, Heiko Maas, will visit Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to put talks between the two rivals back on track.

But the difficulties became even more apparent when Athens and Ankara announced plans to stage sea exercises in the same region south of Crete on Tuesday.

The Greek exercises appeared to have been announced in response to Turkey's decision to extend the Oruc Reis mission by an extra four days to Thursday.

Turkey's defence ministry responded by planning its own "maritime trainings... to promote coordination and interoperability" south of Crete at the same time.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might decide to keep the Oruc Reis out at sea even longer and accused Greece of behaving "in an unauthorised and spoilt manner".

The Turkish government disputes Greece's claim to exclusive rights in the waters where the research vessel is working, arguing that islands should not be included in calculating sea boundaries between countries.

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas.

Turkey and Greece announced rival military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean for Tuesday as Germany prepared to take another crack at defusing the NATO allies' escalating row over natural gas. The discovery of major deposits in waters surrounding Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old regional rivalries. Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10. Also read: Turkey's bid to become maritime powerhouse unsettles Mediterranean Greece said Monday that it will conduct a navy and air force exercise in an area of the eastern Mediterranean where Turkey is prospecting for oil and gas in an area as the neighboring countries remain locked in a dispute over offshore energy rights. The country and its European Union ally France, both dispatched their own naval assets to the area to monitor Turkey's work. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea EU foreign ministers convened an emergency videoconference on the emerging crisis when a Turkish frigate collided with a Greek one in disputed circumstances days into the Oruc Reis mission. Germany has taken the lead in trying to calm a dispute that threatens to complicate EU nations' efforts to tap new sources of energy that can reduce their dependence on countries such as Russia. Its foreign minister, Heiko Maas, will visit Athens and Ankara on Tuesday to try to put talks between the two rivals back on track. But the difficulties became even more apparent when Athens and Ankara announced plans to stage sea exercises in the same region south of Crete on Tuesday. The Greek exercises appeared to have been announced in response to Turkey's decision to extend the Oruc Reis mission by an extra four days to Thursday. Turkey's defence ministry responded by planning its own "maritime trainings... to promote coordination and interoperability" south of Crete at the same time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he might decide to keep the Oruc Reis out at sea even longer and accused Greece of behaving "in an unauthorised and spoilt manner". The Turkish government disputes Greece's claim to exclusive rights in the waters where the research vessel is working, arguing that islands should not be included in calculating sea boundaries between countries.

Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean

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

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday.

President Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic meter&nbsp;gasfield on Friday that could come on stream as soon as 2023 and said Turkey was determined to become a net energy exporter.

If the gas can be commercially extracted, it could transform Turkey's dependence on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan for energy imports, which cost the country $41 billion last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-step-up-mediterranean-energy-exploration-by-year-end-erdogan-322214" hreflang="en">Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan</a>

Any reduction in Turkey's energy imports would also boost government finances and help ease a chronic current account deficit that has helped drive the lira to record lows against the dollar.

"With the discovery, we expect a serious fall in imports. We have established the groundwork for our citizens to use natural gas at much more economic costs," Donmez told reporters.

"There is a new area of 6,000 square kilometres ahead of us. The evaluation of our experts is that we may see similar structures there too," he said in Istanbul.

"We can already say that the gas we will produce ourselves will be more economic than the gas we import ... It is inevitable for prices to fall where the product is abundant."

Turkey has also been exploring for hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, where its surveys in disputed waters have drawn protests from Greece and Cyprus. Greek and Turkish warships shadowing a Turkish survey vessel collided there last week.

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday.

Turkey expects its energy imports to fall significantly following a major Black Sea natural gas find and more discoveries could be made in another area now being evaluated, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Saturday. President Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of a 320 billion cubic meter gasfield on Friday that could come on stream as soon as 2023 and said Turkey was determined to become a net energy exporter. If the gas can be commercially extracted, it could transform Turkey's dependence on Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan for energy imports, which cost the country $41 billion last year. Also read: Turkey to step up Mediterranean energy exploration by year-end: Erdogan Any reduction in Turkey's energy imports would also boost government finances and help ease a chronic current account deficit that has helped drive the lira to record lows against the dollar. "With the discovery, we expect a serious fall in imports. We have established the groundwork for our citizens to use natural gas at much more economic costs," Donmez told reporters. "There is a new area of 6,000 square kilometres ahead of us. The evaluation of our experts is that we may see similar structures there too," he said in Istanbul. "We can already say that the gas we will produce ourselves will be more economic than the gas we import ... It is inevitable for prices to fall where the product is abundant." Turkey has also been exploring for hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, where its surveys in disputed waters have drawn protests from Greece and Cyprus. Greek and Turkish warships shadowing a Turkish survey vessel collided there last week.

Turkey expects big drop in gas imports after historic discovery in Black Sea

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

Turkey is militarising disputed waters in the East Mediterranean region. Erdogan is threatening France, Cyprus & Greece with retaliation if Turkish vessels are targeted.

Gravitas: Why is Turkey militarising East Mediterranean?

After Hagia Sophia, Turkey's historic Chora church to be converted into mosque

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia.

The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-condemn-bidens-criticism-of-autocrat-erdogan-call-it-pure-ignorance-320963">Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance</a>

The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world.

It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks.

It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958.

But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans.

Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ordered another ancient Orthodox church that became a mosque and then a popular Istanbul museum to be turned back into a place of Muslim worship. The decision to transform the Kariye Museum into a mosque came just a month after a similarly controversial conversion for the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised Hagia Sophia. The 1,000-year-old building's history closely mirrors that of the Hagia Sophia, its bigger neighbour on the historic western bank of the Golden Horn on the European side of Istanbul. Also read: Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance The Holy Saviour in Chora was a medieval Byzantine church decorated with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgement that remain treasured in the Christian world. It was originally converted into the Kariye Mosque half a century after the 1453 conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks. It became the Kariye Museum after World War II as Turkey pushed ahead with the creation of a more secular new republic out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. A group of American art historians then helped restore the original church's mosaics and opened them up for public display in 1958. But Erdogan has in the past few years placed a greater emphasis on the battles that resulted in the defeat of Byzantium by the Ottomans. Turkey's top administrative court approved the museum's conversion into a mosque in November.

Now, Turkey to convert another former Istanbul church into mosque

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

Indian actor Aamir Khan is in Turkey and suddenly everyone in India seems to be talking about it because some of his photos have made it to the internet and Netizens are far from happy.

The pictures showed Aamir Khan meeting Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Turkey.

Emine Erdogan tweeted about the meet.

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I had the great pleasure of meeting <a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aamir_khan</a>, the world-renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and director, in Istanbul. I was happy to learn that Aamir decided to wrap up the shooting of his latest movie ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in different parts of Turkey. I look forward to it! <a href="https://t.co/3rSCMmAOMW">pic.twitter.com/3rSCMmAOMW</a>
— Emine Erdoğan (@EmineErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmineErdogan/status/1294684499075366913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I had the pleasure of meeting the world-renowned Indian actor", she says.

Reports claim that Aamir Khan flew to Turkey earlier this month. He is shooting for an upcoming film. The shoot had to be moved to Turkey because of the lockdown in India.

So clearly, it was under these circumstances that the actor decided to pay a visit to Turkey's first lady. However, Neitzens are unhappy with the meeting due to the deepening divide between India and Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan has gone out of his way to offend India. In February, the Turkish president expressed his support to Pakistan's Kashmir claim&nbsp;during an address to the Pakistani parliament. Earlier this month, Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue again&nbsp;while speaking to Pakistan's President Arif Alvi.

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President Dr. Arif Alvi and President Erdogan exchanged Eid-ul-Azha 
greetings in a telephonic conversation. Important matters including Kashmir and Covid-19 were discussed. Pakistan appreciated President Erdogan’s unequivocal statement on Kashmir before the UNGA.<a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> <a href="https://t.co/rsVzryYRcD">pic.twitter.com/rsVzryYRcD</a>
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1289641839184805889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Netizens are asking why did Aamir Khan feel the need to visit the first lady of a country that cannot respect India's sovereignty.

One Twitter user called Aamir Khan a hypocrite.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AamirKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AamirKhan</a> is an epitome of hipocrisy... 
On-screen a true 'Patriot' and off-screen passing comments such as "India is Intolerable" <a href="https://t.co/ybDZsbJR3w">pic.twitter.com/ybDZsbJR3w</a>
— NaamToSunaHiHoga (@palrahul22) <a href="https://twitter.com/palrahul22/status/1295150449486467072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aamir Khan with the wife of Turkey's President Erdogan. Turkey is doing full Propaganda against India. This is self goal by Aamir Khan. <a href="https://t.co/ghd6xB4Hbx">pic.twitter.com/ghd6xB4Hbx</a>
— Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_0mar/status/1295042071531683841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Someone else equated the visit to a self-goal. Netizens have also begun calling for a boycott of Aamir's upcoming movie.

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Boycott lal singh Chaddha by Aamir Khan..
— Amit (@Amit93194005) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amit93194005/status/1295221117246824448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aamir khan feels unsecure in India. Now,he is feeling safe in Anti-India Turkey. 
Iski movie release per yeh pic yaad rakhna. Humare paise ko humare against use mat honay dena!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AamirKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AamirKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Erdogan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Erdogan</a> <a href="https://t.co/A2K7ldKXpz">pic.twitter.com/A2K7ldKXpz</a>
— सोम गोदारा 🇮🇳 (@SomrajTr) <a href="https://twitter.com/SomrajTr/status/1295197722820005893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Someone pointed out that Aamir avoided meeting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu when he was in India.

Why then is he meeting the wife of the Turkish president?

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Aamir Khan who avoided meeting PM of Israel a friend of India,meets Turkish First Lady, at a time when Turkey is openly backing Pakistan and cornering India on Kashmir. 
Reportedly,Aamir sought the meeting. If true,he has made a very loud statement.Get lost From India <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AamirKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AamirKhan</a>
— अक्षत (@hawkeye_pirate_) <a href="https://twitter.com/hawkeye_pirate_/status/1295168954835431424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aamir Khan was not the only one who gave Netanyahu's gala a miss. Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan too did not attend the event.

Indian actor Aamir Khan is in Turkey and suddenly everyone in India seems to be talking about it because some of his photos have made it to the internet and Netizens are far from happy.

Indian actor Aamir Khan is in Turkey and suddenly everyone in India seems to be talking about it because some of his photos have made it to the internet and Netizens are far from happy. The pictures showed Aamir Khan meeting Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Turkey. Emine Erdogan tweeted about the meet. I had the great pleasure of meeting @aamir_khan, the world-renowned Indian actor, filmmaker, and director, in Istanbul. I was happy to learn that Aamir decided to wrap up the shooting of his latest movie ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ in different parts of Turkey. I look forward to it! pic.twitter.com/3rSCMmAOMW — Emine Erdoğan (@EmineErdogan) August 15, 2020 × "I had the pleasure of meeting the world-renowned Indian actor", she says. Reports claim that Aamir Khan flew to Turkey earlier this month. He is shooting for an upcoming film. The shoot had to be moved to Turkey because of the lockdown in India. So clearly, it was under these circumstances that the actor decided to pay a visit to Turkey's first lady. However, Neitzens are unhappy with the meeting due to the deepening divide between India and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Erdogan has gone out of his way to offend India. In February, the Turkish president expressed his support to Pakistan's Kashmir claim during an address to the Pakistani parliament. Earlier this month, Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue again while speaking to Pakistan's President Arif Alvi. President Dr. Arif Alvi and President Erdogan exchanged Eid-ul-Azha greetings in a telephonic conversation. Important matters including Kashmir and Covid-19 were discussed. Pakistan appreciated President Erdogan’s unequivocal statement on Kashmir before the UNGA.@RTErdogan pic.twitter.com/rsVzryYRcD — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 1, 2020 × Netizens are asking why did Aamir Khan feel the need to visit the first lady of a country that cannot respect India's sovereignty. One Twitter user called Aamir Khan a hypocrite. #AamirKhan is an epitome of hipocrisy... On-screen a true 'Patriot' and off-screen passing comments such as "India is Intolerable" pic.twitter.com/ybDZsbJR3w — NaamToSunaHiHoga (@palrahul22) August 17, 2020 × Aamir Khan with the wife of Turkey's President Erdogan. Turkey is doing full Propaganda against India. This is self goal by Aamir Khan. pic.twitter.com/ghd6xB4Hbx — Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) August 16, 2020 × Someone else equated the visit to a self-goal. Netizens have also begun calling for a boycott of Aamir's upcoming movie. Boycott lal singh Chaddha by Aamir Khan.. — Amit (@Amit93194005) August 17, 2020 × Aamir khan feels unsecure in India. Now,he is feeling safe in Anti-India Turkey. Iski movie release per yeh pic yaad rakhna. Humare paise ko humare against use mat honay dena!!#AamirKhan #Erdogan pic.twitter.com/A2K7ldKXpz — सोम गोदारा 🇮🇳 (@SomrajTr) August 17, 2020 × Someone pointed out that Aamir avoided meeting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu when he was in India. Why then is he meeting the wife of the Turkish president? Aamir Khan who avoided meeting PM of Israel a friend of India,meets Turkish First Lady, at a time when Turkey is openly backing Pakistan and cornering India on Kashmir. Reportedly,Aamir sought the meeting. If true,he has made a very loud statement.Get lost From India #AamirKhan — अक्षत (@hawkeye_pirate_) August 17, 2020 × Aamir Khan was not the only one who gave Netanyahu's gala a miss. Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan too did not attend the event.

Netizens fume as actor Aamir Khan meets Turkey's first lady Emine Erdogan

Actor Aamir Khan and the Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan found a spot on the list of trends after pictures of their meeting in Turkey went viral - not entirely in a good way.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan meets Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan

The European Union urged Turkey on Sunday to halt its exploration for gas in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean "immediately", in a crisis that has stoked tensions with other countries in the region.

The call came after Ankara said it planned to extend its controversial search by drilling off the southwestern coast of Cyprus from next week.

Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterranean have put it at loggerheads with its uneasy NATO ally Greece and the rest of the EU, with France announcing last week it would bolster its presence in the region in support of Athens.

Brussels has repeatedly called on Ankara to halt energy exploration off Cyprus, arguing that the drilling is illegal because it infringes on the island's exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Turkey's latest announcement "regrettably fuels further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean", EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

"This action runs counter and undermines efforts to resume dialogue and negotiations, and to pursue immediate de-escalation, which is the only path towards stability and lasting solutions, as reiterated by EU foreign ministers last Friday," he said.

"I call on the Turkish authorities to end these activities immediately and to engage fully and in good faith in a broad dialogue with the European Union."

The Turkish navy said in a statement issued late Saturday that the drill ship Yavuz, which has been based off Cyprus for the past few months, will explore off the southwestern coast of the island from August 18 to September 15.

Turkey has remained defiant in the face of the protests, saying it has a right to search for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean, where regional nations are racing for riches after the discovery of large energy deposits.

"We strongly advise against going to the search area," the Turkish navy warned in its statement.

Last week, Ankara sent the seismic research vessel Oruc Reis, escorted by warships, to an area claimed by Greece, triggering the ire of Athens and the EU.

On Friday, EU foreign ministers voiced solidarity with Greece and called for a de-escalation of the crisis.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that Ankara was ready for dialogue but insisted: "We will not back down in the face of sanctions and threats."

The defence ministry meanwhile published photographs of naval manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, showing warships escorting another seismic research vessel, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa.

The European Union urged Turkey on Sunday to halt its exploration for gas in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean "immediately", in a crisis that has stoked tensions with other countries in the region.

The European Union urged Turkey on Sunday to halt its exploration for gas in a disputed area of the eastern Mediterranean "immediately", in a crisis that has stoked tensions with other countries in the region. The call came after Ankara said it planned to extend its controversial search by drilling off the southwestern coast of Cyprus from next week. Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterranean have put it at loggerheads with its uneasy NATO ally Greece and the rest of the EU, with France announcing last week it would bolster its presence in the region in support of Athens. Brussels has repeatedly called on Ankara to halt energy exploration off Cyprus, arguing that the drilling is illegal because it infringes on the island's exclusive economic zone. Turkey's latest announcement "regrettably fuels further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean", EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. "This action runs counter and undermines efforts to resume dialogue and negotiations, and to pursue immediate de-escalation, which is the only path towards stability and lasting solutions, as reiterated by EU foreign ministers last Friday," he said. "I call on the Turkish authorities to end these activities immediately and to engage fully and in good faith in a broad dialogue with the European Union." The Turkish navy said in a statement issued late Saturday that the drill ship Yavuz, which has been based off Cyprus for the past few months, will explore off the southwestern coast of the island from August 18 to September 15. Turkey has remained defiant in the face of the protests, saying it has a right to search for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean, where regional nations are racing for riches after the discovery of large energy deposits. "We strongly advise against going to the search area," the Turkish navy warned in its statement. Last week, Ankara sent the seismic research vessel Oruc Reis, escorted by warships, to an area claimed by Greece, triggering the ire of Athens and the EU. On Friday, EU foreign ministers voiced solidarity with Greece and called for a de-escalation of the crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that Ankara was ready for dialogue but insisted: "We will not back down in the face of sanctions and threats." The defence ministry meanwhile published photographs of naval manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean, showing warships escorting another seismic research vessel, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa.

EU urges Turkey to halt gas hunt in east Mediterranean

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents.&nbsp;

The comments by the Democrat were given in an interview for the New York Times in December. But the video, that only included the remarks, resurfaced on Saturday before going viral on social media.&nbsp;

In the video, Biden described the Turkish president as an "autocrat", criticised his policy towards the Kurds and advocated supporting the Turkish opposition.

"What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership," Biden said.&nbsp;

He said it was necessary to "embolden" Erdogan's rivals to allow them "to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process."

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US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, "We can support those elements in the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from then, embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan, not by a coup...not by a coup." 
 
Which elements Mr. Biden? Sounds like Gulenists to me. <a href="https://t.co/06Uc8anfig">pic.twitter.com/06Uc8anfig</a>
— Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) <a href="https://twitter.com/YusufErim34/status/1294609616609959936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Initially, the interview did not provoke Turkey, however, the recent video has triggered an angry response from the country.

"The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted.

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The analysis of Turkey by <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. 
 
The days of ordering Turkey around are over. 
 
But if you still think you can try, be our guest. 
 
You will pay the price.
— Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikalin1/status/1294874944971714561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price."

Erdogan's opponents have distanced themselves from the remarks, calling for "respect for the sovereignty of Turkey".

Many critics predict strained relations between Ankara and Washington if Biden is elected as the President of the United States. &nbsp;

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents.

Turkey on Sunday has condemned the remarks made by Democrat Joe Biden on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The American presidential candidate criticised Turkish president and called for support for the Turkish leader's opponents. The comments by the Democrat were given in an interview for the New York Times in December. But the video, that only included the remarks, resurfaced on Saturday before going viral on social media. In the video, Biden described the Turkish president as an "autocrat", criticised his policy towards the Kurds and advocated supporting the Turkish opposition. "What I think we should be doing is taking a very different approach to him now, making it clear that we support opposition leadership," Biden said. He said it was necessary to "embolden" Erdogan's rivals to allow them "to take on and defeat Erdogan. Not by a coup, not by a coup, but by the electoral process." US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, "We can support those elements in the Turkish leadership that still exist and get more from then, embolden them to be able to take on and defeat Erdogan, not by a coup...not by a coup." Which elements Mr. Biden? Sounds like Gulenists to me. pic.twitter.com/06Uc8anfig — Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) August 15, 2020 × Initially, the interview did not provoke Turkey, however, the recent video has triggered an angry response from the country. "The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted. The analysis of Turkey by @JoeBiden is based on pure ignorance, arrogance and hypocrisy. The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price. — Ibrahim Kalin (@ikalin1) August 16, 2020 × "The days of ordering Turkey around are over. But if you still think you can try, be our guest. You will pay the price." Erdogan's opponents have distanced themselves from the remarks, calling for "respect for the sovereignty of Turkey". Many critics predict strained relations between Ankara and Washington if Biden is elected as the President of the United States.

Turkey condemn Biden's criticism of 'autocrat' Erdogan; call it pure ignorance

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday said Ankara's actions were antagonistic and dangerous after a meeting requested by Athens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-asks-turkey-to-not-conduct-research-in-greeces-waters-315060">US asks Turkey to not conduct research in Greece's waters</a>

Tensions between NATO members Greece and Turkey have risen in the past week after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction.

"We will never bow to banditry on our continental shelf. We will not back down against the language of sanctions and threats," Erdogan said in the northeastern city of Rize.

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>

The Oruc Reis, which is between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until August&nbsp;23, he added. The vessel has been shadowed by Greek frigates and on Wednesday warships from the two sides were involved in a mild collision.

EU foreign ministers met via video conference on Friday and said Turkey's naval movements would lead to a "heightened risk of dangerous incidents".

They said a deterioration in the relationship with Turkey was having far-reaching strategic consequences for the entire European Union, well beyond the eastern Mediterranean.

Relations between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday Turkey will not back down to threats of sanctions nor to incursions on its claimed territory in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is in a standoff with EU-member Greece over oil and gas exploration rights. European Union foreign ministers on Friday said Ankara's actions were antagonistic and dangerous after a meeting requested by Athens. Also read: US asks Turkey to not conduct research in Greece's waters Tensions between NATO members Greece and Turkey have risen in the past week after Turkey sent the Oruc Reis survey vessel, escorted by warships, to map out possible oil and gas drilling in territory over which both countries claim jurisdiction. "We will never bow to banditry on our continental shelf. We will not back down against the language of sanctions and threats," Erdogan said in the northeastern city of Rize. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea The Oruc Reis, which is between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, will continue work until August 23, he added. The vessel has been shadowed by Greek frigates and on Wednesday warships from the two sides were involved in a mild collision. EU foreign ministers met via video conference on Friday and said Turkey's naval movements would lead to a "heightened risk of dangerous incidents". They said a deterioration in the relationship with Turkey was having far-reaching strategic consequences for the entire European Union, well beyond the eastern Mediterranean. Relations between Greece and Turkey have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the ethnically split island of Cyprus. In 1996 they almost went to war over ownership of uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea.

Turkey 'will not back down' in east Mediterranean standoff, says Erdogan

European Union foreign ministers on Friday&nbsp;took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on&nbsp;Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted&nbsp;in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks.

As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. &nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

"The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election."

Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions.

At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions.&nbsp;While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition.

Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair".

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis.

Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown. At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks. As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions "The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said. Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election." Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions. At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions. While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition. Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair". Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis. Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union takes first step to slap new sanctions on Belarus, debates Turkey crisis

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'

Turkish 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.

Greece-Turkey tensions escalate as Turkish ships enter disputed area

Greece has put its armed forces on alert after Turkey sent a survey ship to a disputed area of the Mediterranean sea. Watch report.

Greece-Turkey tensions: 'Turkish provocation won't go unanswered', says Greece

France on Thursday conducted military exercise with Greece off Crete even as it said that it was "temporarily reinforcing" military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

French Rafale jets are due to arrive in Crete after finishing military exercise in Cyprus. Earlier, the Tonnerre (Thunder) helicopter along with La Fayette frigate had taken part in a military exercise with Greek forces.

The relations between France and Turkey have deteriorated ever since Paris&nbsp;accused Ankara of violating the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus. According to reports, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called up President Macron to discuss the situation in the region on Wednesday.

After the call, Mitsotakis in a tweet said: "Emmanuel Macron is a true friend of Greece and a fervent defender of European values and international law." Mitsotakis had earlier said that the "risk of an accident lurks when so many military assets are gathered in such a contained area."

Greece and Turkey have been squabbling over hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean as both countries lay claim to the area. France had earlier criticised "aggressive" action by Turkish ships against a French vessel participating in a NATO mission in the Mediterranean.

Amid the undercurrent of tension in the area, Turkey had sent the research ship Oruc Reis along with naval ships off the Greek island of Kastellorizo promoting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to ask Turkey to remove the ship even as deployed warships to monitor the vessel.

France on Thursday conducted military exercise with Greece off Crete even as it said that it was "temporarily reinforcing" military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

France on Thursday conducted military exercise with Greece off Crete even as it said that it was "temporarily reinforcing" military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. French Rafale jets are due to arrive in Crete after finishing military exercise in Cyprus. Earlier, the Tonnerre (Thunder) helicopter along with La Fayette frigate had taken part in a military exercise with Greek forces. The relations between France and Turkey have deteriorated ever since Paris accused Ankara of violating the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus. According to reports, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called up President Macron to discuss the situation in the region on Wednesday. After the call, Mitsotakis in a tweet said: "Emmanuel Macron is a true friend of Greece and a fervent defender of European values and international law." Mitsotakis had earlier said that the "risk of an accident lurks when so many military assets are gathered in such a contained area." Greece and Turkey have been squabbling over hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean as both countries lay claim to the area. France had earlier criticised "aggressive" action by Turkish ships against a French vessel participating in a NATO mission in the Mediterranean. Amid the undercurrent of tension in the area, Turkey had sent the research ship Oruc Reis along with naval ships off the Greek island of Kastellorizo promoting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to ask Turkey to remove the ship even as deployed warships to monitor the vessel.

France, Greece conduct naval exercise off Crete amid tensions with Turkey

Turkey has vowed to press ahead with efforts to search for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean Sea despite an escalating dispute with Greece over drilling rights.

Turkey-Greece tensions escalate over Turkish Mediterranean drilling plans

Greece will be requesting an emergency meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council, the prime minister’s office announced following a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

Tension high between Turkey, Greece in eastern Mediterranean

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