As Turkey plans to start drilling in coming months, Greece seeking international support

Athens is bracing for a prolonged period of tension this summer in view of Turkish preparations to conduct exploratory drilling from the north of Rhodes all the way to the southeast of Crete in 24 plots that are included in a map published in the Turkish government's gazette outlining areas where Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has applied for exploration permits. 

The plots in question are included in the maritime border deal signed between Ankara and Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) that has been widely denounced as illegal and invalid. Based on Turkish law, TPAO will be able to begin drilling in about three months, so September is considered a critical month.

Sources say that the prevailing assessment is that Ankara will begin exploratory activities in an area off the coast of Crete and not within a range of six nautical...