Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias commemorated the four-year anniversary of Greece’s decision to expand its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, emphasizing that the move was based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Dendias also highlighted Greece’s commitment to international law, contrasting it with Turkey’s refusal to adhere to UNCLOS in the Aegean.
Tag: Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Turkey argues that islands should not have full rights to maritime zones, including EEZs. This is especially relevant in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, where numerous Greek islands lie close to the Turkish coast. UNCLOS, on the other hand, recognizes islands as having the same rights to EEZs and continental shelves as mainland territory, unless specific geographic features limit them.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed key issues during the EU Summit in Brussels, emphasizing Greece’s role in ensuring Syria’s territorial integrity, the importance of safeguarding Cyprus’ sovereign rights, and addressing the EU’s defense strategy. Mitsotakis also stressed the need for a European defense fund, reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to the Prespa Agreement with North Macedonia, and discussed voluntary refugee returns from Syria while prioritizing the protection of religious minorities in the region.