The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern response to Turkey’s announcement regarding the creation of two marine protected areas in international waters of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, describing it as an illegal and unilateral action that violates international law.
This action came just days after Greece’s initiative to establish National Marine Parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas, within areas of absolute Greek sovereignty. As the Foreign Ministry emphasizes, Turkey’s attempt to “demarcate” protected areas outside Turkish territorial waters, in non-delimited maritime zones, produces no legal effect and constitutes a blatant provocation.
“The announcement of ‘marine parks“ in non-delimited areas outside Turkish territorial waters constitutes an unacceptable, unilateral and illegal action,” the statement characteristically notes, highlighting Ankara’s complete lack of respect for International Maritime Law.
The Greek government, as emphasized, firmly insists on the lawful protection of its sovereign rights, as well as promoting sustainable management of marine ecosystems, in accordance with the principles of international legality and environmental conventions.
The Foreign Ministry warns that reactions of this kind do not contribute positively to bilateral relations, but instead endanger efforts to build trust and good neighborliness in the region.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement in response to Turkey
“Following Greece’s initiative to establish National Marine Parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas, in areas of Greek sovereignty, Turkey today announced the designation of two marine protected areas including in international waters of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
The announcement of ‘marine parks’ in non-delimited areas outside Turkish territorial waters constitutes an unacceptable, unilateral and illegal action that produces no legal effect against Greek sovereign rights and shows complete lack of respect for international maritime law.
The Greek government acts continuously and consistently to protect our country’s rights and the sustainability of our seas and reminds that reflexive actions devoid of content jeopardize good neighborly relations between the two countries.”
