Greece will do whatever is necessary to defend its sovereign rights in response to Turkey's plans to continue drilling for oil and gas south of the Greek islands in the Eastern Mediterranean, AP reported.

Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis is preparing for a research mission. Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas called the mission a direct violation of Greece's sovereignty. 

The government noted that Greece will not tolerate the violation of its sovereignty and will do everything necessary to protect its sovereign rights, Petsas said.