Greece on Tuesday called on Turkey to “desist from daily rants” and work towards security and stability in the region, as the countries clash over hydrocarbon resources rights.

The Greek foreign affairs ministry was reacting to Turkey’s announcement on Monday that it would carry out seismic surveys in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean Sea until September 12.

Turkey also said its Oruc Reis exploration vessel will continue working for the next 90 days, until it eventually returns to Ankara. The vessel is exploring for oil and gas, following Turkey’s recent natural gas discovery in the Black Sea, Kallanish Energy notes.

The NATO allies dispute the extent of their continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands. Their clash has involved other NATO members, such as France, and included military threats.

“Turkey continues to faithfully fulfill the role of troublemaker and destabilizing factor in the region,” the Greek ministry said, adding Ankara continues to ignore calls for dialogue and to escalate its provocations. “Greece will not be blackmailed.”

This post appeared first on Kallanish Energy News.