THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 12, 1994 TAG: 9411120170
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
A Norfolk-based Navy ship has been ordered into the Aegean Sea because of increased tensions in the region, a Pentagon official said Friday.
The Cape St. George, an Aegis cruiser, was ordered into the region several days ago, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
It is hoped the ship's presence will help abate tensions in the region, the official said.
On Sept. 19, a Greek coast guard vessel fired warning shots near a Turkish fishing boat, claiming the boat was in Greek waters. Turkey denied that the fishermen crossed the boundary.
The nations have competed for control of the Aegean and its resources for centuries.
In recent days, Turkish media have reported rumors that Greece planned to extend its territorial limits around its islands in the Aegean, closing off international shipping channels and making all vessels entering or leaving the Aegean pass through Greek waters. by CNB