Greek Community of Melbourne calls on PM to take a stand on Turkey’s violations in East Med

In the wake of rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean over Turkey’s oil and gas exploration and apparent breaches of existing Greek and Cypriot exclusive economic zones (EEZs), the Greek Community of Melbourne has called on the Australian government to take action.

In a letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the Community notes Turkey’s attempt to establish its own EEZ off the coast of Libya and Turkey, a move which it stresses is not only provocative but also illegal.

“We believe that Australia can no longer remain silent on this issue. We must intervene to ensure that subtle peace and stability in the region is maintained with the agreed sovereignty of all nations involved,” said Community President Bill Papastergiadis in a letter to Mr Morrison.

“In addition, we consider it in Australia’s interest to take an active part in the international community in defending the territorial rights of Greece and Cyprus, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“This is particularly important because a negative outcome to the territorial dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean could have repercussions for other nations, including Australia.”

Other Australian leaders have also urged the Australian Prime Minister to take a stance on the Eastern Mediterranean dispute.

Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas sent a letter to Mr Morrison last week.

“I feel that, as a member of the international community, Australia cannot stay silent on this matter. We should play our part to ensure that the delicate peace and stability in the region is preserved along with the agreed sovereignty of all the nations involved,” Georganas said.