By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk
On November 6, 2026, Greece authorised marine surveys and cable-laying work for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), then issued a navigational warning (NAVTEX). The Republic of Cyprus separately condemned Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's visit to northern Cyprus as illegal.
Greece Authorises GSI Surveys
The approval followed an application by French cable manufacturer Nexans on behalf of the GSI project company, Greece's Foreign Ministry said. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis signed the decision after an interministerial committee for marine research permits gave a favourable opinion.
The research vessel then requested a NAVTEX, which was issued immediately, according to the ministry. The permit covers the stated surveys and cable works. Neither the approval nor the notice confirms that seabed surveys have resumed or cable-laying has begun.
The separate question of advance notification to Türkiye remains unsettled. In a November 4 interview, Gerapetritis said Greece would neither seek Turkish permission nor formally notify Ankara. He left open the possibility of informal communication by the company, saying it would have no legal effect on Greece's licensing authority.
Türkiye has sought advance written notice of work in maritime areas it claims. Greece's November 6 announcement reported no agreement with Ankara on how that notice should be handled.
Republic of Cyprus Condemns Fidan Visit
Türkiye's Foreign Ministry announced on November 5 that Fidan would visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) the following day. In its November 6 statement, the Republic of Cyprus Foreign Ministry condemned the visit and accused Türkiye of violating the republic's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The ministry accused Ankara of disregarding United Nations and European Union decisions. The ministry also referred to Türkiye's effort to elect its candidate as United Nations secretary-general and cited a recent European Commission report which, it said, documented Türkiye's continued divergence from its EU obligations.
The statement called for an immediate return to direct settlement negotiations within the agreed United Nations framework. It argued that substantive talks still depended on Türkiye's position, but gave no date for their resumption.
Sources: Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bosphorus News review and reporting.