The state of “non-war” between Greece and Turkey is being increasingly questioned following the new crisis that emerged in Cyprus, as a result of Ankara’s decision to send a research vessel called “Barbaros” within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone to conduct seismic surveys, as part of a hydrocarbon exploration mission.

The Turkish research ship, which has been sailing in the waters of the Cypriot EEZ since October 20, is accompanied by Turkish warships, a practical demonstration of Ankara’s willingness to continue its illegal surveys under the threat of military action, in an area where the sovereign rights for researching and developing the underwater resources belong exclusively to the Republic of Cyprus.

The big question for the Greek side is how it would respond to a decision by Ankara to proceed to military action and escalate the crisis, if for example “Barbaros” started conducting seismic surveys or if the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave the green light for exploratory drilling in the Cypriot EEZ.

“All necessary measures have been taken to protect the Barbaros, so no one should try to create a crisis,” warned Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Three Turkish warships are currently sailing near the research ship, in international waters but within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

‘Kavaloudis’ missile craft, that is currently sailing in the eastern Mediterranean patrolling the maritime borders of Lebanon is the only Greek vessel in the region.

According to information acquired by protothema.gr, if the Turkish side attempts to escalate the crisis in Cyprus, the Greek government has decided to send a frigate in the region. The announcement will be made by the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, at a time chosen by Athens in collaboration with Nicosia, possibly during the PM’s visit to Cyprus on November 7.