A
Turkish Coast Guard vessel is seen in this file photo
A Greek
and a Turkish coastguard vessel have collided in the Aegean Sea, the Greek
foreign ministry said today, adding that a complaint would be made to Ankara
over the issue.
"The
Turkish coastguard vessel was sailing dangerously and collided with a Greek
coastguard vessel" on anti-immigration patrol near the island of
Farmakonissi, the ministry said.
"Instructions
have been given to the Greek embassy in Ankara for a demarche," the
ministry said, adding that Greek territorial waters had also been breached in
the process.
There
were no immediate reports of injuries among the crews.
Greece
has many islands a short distance from the Turkish coast. On the basis of
post-World War II treaties, it claims waters which Turkey insists are neutral.
There is
additional tension in the area due to gas exploration plans by Greek Cyprus in
cooperation with Israel, both of whom have poor relations with Turkey.
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