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The timing of the announcement has raised concern in Athens, with Greek officials viewing it as a symbolic demonstration of Turkish policy in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Oruc Reis<\/em> has frequently been at the centre of tensions between Greece and Turkey, particularly during previous seismic survey missions in disputed waters.<\/p>\n After completing operations off Somalia in 2025, the vessel underwent maintenance at a Black Sea port before being relocated to Silifke, directly opposite Cyprus. Ankara\u2019s decision to publicise its departure on the anniversary of the invasion has intensified speculation over its next destination.<\/p>\n Greek authorities are assessing several possible deployment routes for the vessel, including waters around Cyprus, areas claimed under Turkey\u2019s \u201cBlue Homeland\u201d doctrine, or regions south of Crete near Libya.<\/p>\n Athens hopes the vessel will instead return to operations off Somalia or be assigned to replace the Barbaros<\/em> research ship in the Black Sea, avoiding another period of heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n The anniversary also saw Greece reinforce its political and military backing for Cyprus.<\/p>\n Greek fighter aircraft based on the island continued training flights over Larnaca and Paphos, while Defence Minister Nikos Dendias emphasised that Cyprus remains close to the heart of Greece\u2019s armed forces.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Greece\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Cyprus issue as an ongoing international matter stemming from the illegal invasion and occupation of part of an EU member state. Athens reiterated its longstanding support for a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Israel also marked the anniversary with a statement reaffirming its support for Cyprus\u2019s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticised the continued Turkish military presence in the island\u2019s north and opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo.<\/p>\n Turkish officials again described the 1974 military intervention as a legitimate \u201cpeace operation\u201d carried out under the Treaty of Guarantee. President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan said Turkey, as Cyprus\u2019s guarantor power, would continue supporting Turkish Cypriots.<\/p>\n Ankara also criticised Greece over the closure of minority schools in Thrace, referring to them as \u201cTurkish schools\u201d\u2014terminology rejected by Athens, which says the closures are due to declining enrolment rather than discrimination.<\/p>\n The deployment of the Oruc Reis<\/em> is expected to be closely watched in the coming days, with its destination likely to shape the next phase of Greek-Turkish relations in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n Source:<\/strong> To Vima<\/p>\nAthens preparing for multiple scenarios<\/h3>\n
Greece reinforces support for Cyprus<\/h3>\n
Israel voices support<\/h3>\n
Turkey defends its position<\/h3>\n