Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas has urged Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to take a stance in the ongoing Eastern Mediterranean dispute between Greece and Turkey.
Below is Georganas’ full letter to the Australian Prime Minister.
Dear Prime Minister,
Through recent media reports, and the discussions I have had with community representatives, it is evident that tensions are escalating in the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey has become increasingly active in the Eastern Mediterranean in its efforts to explore for oil and gas, which has resulted in apparent violations of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In another provocative move, Turkey has attempted to establish its own EEZ between the Libyan and Turkish coasts; a move that is illegal as it ignores already established EEZs in the area.
I feel tat, 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.
In addition, it is in Australia’s interest that we join the international community to defend the territorial rights according to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which grants a continental shelf and EEZ to the islands within territorial waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.
This is of particular importance because, if a precedence is set as a result of the territorial dispute in the Eastern Mediterrenaean, this may have unintended consequences of other nations, including Australia.
I, therefore respectfully urge you to join other world leaders, including many in the European Union and the United States to encourage the countries involved to respect the current EEZs and maintain a peaceful coexistence for all the nations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Yours Sincerely,
Steve Georganas MP
