In a provocative move ahead of the Imia anniversary, retired Turkish Admiral Cem Gürdeniz challenged Greece’s claims over the Aegean Sea, asserting that nearly half of the waters are international and should be shared with Turkey. His remarks highlight ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on sovereignty, with potential implications for regional stability.
Tag: continental shelf
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed skepticism about the potential for progress in Greece-Turkey disputes over the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. Addressing criticisms, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s firm stance and criticized attempts to portray his administration as less patriotic. He highlighted recent developments in Greek-Turkish relations and urged caution in interpreting Turkey’s regional influence. Additionally, he defended Europe’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for collective security in response to shifting dynamics.
In a recent interview, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that Turkey’s disputes with Greece encompass more than just maritime boundaries, including issues like the demilitarization of Greek islands. He called for discussions on the multiple challenges facing the Aegean, while Greece maintains that sovereignty questions remain non-negotiable.
Shortly before the scheduled meeting of the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers, tensions rise as Turkey issues a new NAVTEX, claiming Greek research activities are occurring on a Turkish continental shelf. This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in delimiting maritime boundaries between the two countries under international law.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to its maritime rights, stating the nation will never renounce its entitlement to a 12-nautical-mile territorial extension. He emphasized the futility of discussions about the current 6-nautical-mile limit and highlighted the importance of exploring a common framework for addressing maritime delimitation with Türkiye.
Greece has firmly rejected any concessions on its territorial waters in the dispute with Turkey, with a senior official stating, “Six miles? Not a chance.” This comes ahead of diplomatic talks between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in November, focused on delineating continental shelves and exclusive economic zones. Greek officials stress that sovereignty issues are non-negotiable, raising tensions as both nations prepare for critical negotiations.
Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis expressed hope that Greece and Türkiye will agree on the framework for delimiting the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone by January 2025. In an interview with ‘Kathimerini’, he emphasized the importance of taking actionable steps in diplomacy, pointing out the limited success of past exploratory talks. Gerapetritis highlighted the progress made toward building trust and open communication channels between the two nations while reiterating Greece’s firm adherence to international law. He also touched on regional issues, including Cyprus, and stressed Greece’s stance as a stabilizing force in the broader geopolitical landscape.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias celebrated the 81st anniversary of Kastellorizo’s liberation on Friday, highlighting the small island’s outsized importance to Greece’s maritime sovereignty… Dendias stressed that Kastellorizo plays a ‘crucial role’ in defining Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.”
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis notes that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip…
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, speaking at the 81st anniversary of Megisti Island’s liberation, emphasized Kastellorizo’s crucial role in Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to defending its maritime rights under international law, rejecting any opposing claims. Dendias also highlighted how Greece’s EEZ agreement with Egypt strengthens national and European interests.
Tensions have escalated south of Kasos and Karapathos due to Turkish provocations related to claims over Greek continental shelf areas. Greece is making diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, as the vessel Ievoli Relume conducts research in the area amidst the presence of Turkish naval units.
Turkey’s latest NAVTEX for cable-laying near Rhodes and Crete has heightened tensions with Greece, underscoring ongoing maritime disputes in the region.
Turkey has issued a NAVTEX (0592/24) announcing cable-laying operations by the vessel C/S Teliri in an area south of Rhodes and east of Crete, claiming this is within the Turkish continental shelf.
During an interview with the national broadcaster ERT on board the frigate ‘Kimon’ at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the significance of the Prespa Agreement and its impact on North Macedonia’s NATO membership.
An interview with the Turkish President is planned inside the “White Palace” – The official…
US Ambassador Jeffrey Pyatt reiterated Washington’s position that the Greek islands are entitled to EEZs…
Russia’s Ambassador to Athens in an interview with APE-MPE, joined the European Union and the…
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias highlighted the benefits that Greece derives from the demarcation of…
Konstantinos Kyranakis, an MP of the ruling New Democracy Party, speaking on television with Christos…
Athens and Rome have agreed on demarcating an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Greece and…