‘We have vital rights in the Aegean Sea’: Turkey reacts to Greece’s territorial waters extension

·

Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in an announcement Wednesday that Greece’s extension of its territorial waters from 6 to 12 miles does not regard the Aegean Sea and repeated the country’s objections against such an extension in the Aegean.

“The extension of territorial waters in the Ionian Sea by Greece to 12 nautical miles reaches up (to) the south of the Peleponnesian Peninsula and does not affect the Aegean Sea in any way,” said ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy.

“Turkey has vital rights and interests in the semi-enclosed Aegean Sea, where special geographical circumstances prevail. Turkey’s position that the territorial waters in the Aegean Sea should not be unilaterally extended in a way to restrict the freedom of navigation as well as the access to the high seas of both Turkey and third countries, is well-known by all parties. Our position remains unchanged,” he added.

Turkey and Greece are due to resume on Monday, after a 5-year hiatus, the exploratory talks they have been conducting since the 1990s. This will be the 61st round of talks.

On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during a parliamentary debate on the territorial waters extension, and repeated Greece’s longstanding position, that it is within its right to extend its territorial waters whenever and wherever it chooses to, including south of Crete and elsewhere.

Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias had made a similar declaration Tuesday.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

John Loukadellis appointed director at The Hellenic Initiative of Australia

The Hellenic Initiative Australia has today announced the appointment of John Loukadellis as its newest director.

Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos nominated for Grammy Award

Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos has been nominated for a Grammy following the release of a Beethoven symphony album earlier in 2024.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios to join forces at World Tennis League

With players still competing in the final tournaments of the year, the start of December is fast approaching, ushering in exhibition events.

Australian Leea Nanos looking to represent Greece in Eurovision 2025

Leea Nanos, an Australian singer-songwriter with Greek heritage, has reportedly submitted a song for Greece’s upcoming Eurovision selection.

Hundreds gather to farewell ex-Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris

Hundreds gathered at Thessaloniki’s town hall on Tuesday, where the body of former city mayor Yiannis Boutaris laid in state.

You May Also Like

Melbourne’s Cretan community marks 80 years since Battle of Crete with special events

Melbourne's local Greek and wider community gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete over the weekend.

“I’ll help save Greek Storytime,” Yarra City Cr Glynatsis tells disappointed parents

Cr Michael Glynatsis has offered his support to parents following the sudden closure of Greek Storytime sessions at Richmond Library.

Greece to fully fence off Evros border with Turkey

Greece has committed to extend a fence along its land border with Turkey in the Evros region and expand surveillance efforts.