Akar : We will not allow the harassment of the Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa for a second time

Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar stated that Turkey will not allow the harassment of Turkey’s seismic research vessel Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa for a second time in the Mediterranean.

Akar gave explanations about the agenda and answered questions on a program of the Anadolu Agency (AA) Editor’s Desk.

Reminding that Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa, which started exploration activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, was exposed to the harassment of a Greek warship and this was prevented by the Turkish Naval Forces Commandership, Akar said that it had been indicated that the mentioned seismic research vessel was going to conduct seismic survey in the region on 16th October in accordance with international law and agreements and it would be there with completely peaceful purposes.

Stating that the vessel which arrived in the region on 18th October was harassed by a Greek warship, Akar continued: “We immediately took the necessary measures due to the fact that we have to be ready and our vessel Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa continues its activities in the region. Our warships in the region can supply the necessary protection. Everybody should know that we will never allow another harassment or any intervention to our activities. We are in favour of sharing the resources in a fair way. There are agreements reached and some studies made over this issue. We want these to be realised. “