Türkiye has warned against an attempt by a French-flagged vessel to conduct unauthorized marine scientific research and lay cables within its continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean, reaffirming its determination to protect its sovereign rights under international law.

In a statement on Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the vessel intended to carry out marine research involving the unauthorized laying of cables within Türkiye's continental shelf, whose outer limits Ankara notified to the United Nations on March 18, 2020.

The ministry said navigational warning notices issued by Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration in connection with the planned activity had been cancelled by Türkiye.

It added that the procedure for obtaining Ankara's consent, as required under international law of the sea, had not been completed for the part of the planned operation falling within Türkiye's continental shelf.

"Our determination to protect our sovereign rights arising from international law is absolute," the ministry said.

Türkiye would nevertheless continue to pursue an approach based on cooperation, dialogue and coordination in the region, it added.

The statement comes amid continuing disagreements in the Eastern Mediterranean over maritime boundaries, continental shelf rights and energy exploration activities.

Türkiye maintains that activities within its continental shelf require its consent and that maritime disputes in the region should be addressed through dialogue and in accordance with international law. (ILKHA)