Erdogan responds to Macroni and the Greeks: No Threat prevents us

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that no threat could prevent Turkey from exploring natural resources in the eastern Mediterranean, adding Ankara hopes actors in the region will take steps to reduce tensions.

Greece and Cyprus are at odds with Turkey over some maritime areas that may be rich in natural resources and over which the parties have claims.

Turkish vessels for oil and gas exploration are currently located in areas claimed by all three countries.

On Tuesday, Cyprus said it was ready to work with all neighbouring countries in determining maritime borders.

Turkey is determined to demand by the end its rights in the eastern Mediterranean, Mr. Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara.

No colonial power or threat can prevent our country from exploring the sources of oil and natural gas believed to be in the region, he said, adding that Ankara wants to resolve the dispute through dialogue and diplomacy instead of escalating tensions.