Turkey dispatched a research ship and frigates to the Mediterranean in response to a Greek Cypriot search for fuel deposits. Turkey opposes the Greek Cypriot search without a deal reunifying the ethnically split island is reached. Cyprus says it is exercising its sovereign rights.

Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said Sunday that Turkey has completed a second 40-day seismic study in cooperation with an international firm.

Yildiz says Turkey is preparing to send a third ship to the area for 3-D seismic studies on Monday. He says the ship will set sail from the Mediterranean port of Antalya.