The Turkish Foreign Ministry has attacked the European Commission over the publication of a map depicting Greece’s Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). The specific map, which arose in the context of the obligation of the EU member states. to submit an FTA, presents the marine zones and the activities in these areas.
Turkey reacted strongly, calling the maps “invalid” and stressing that it does not recognize any legal effect. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry accused the E.U. that it is involved in issues of maritime zones involving third countries and that such unilateral moves undermine the resolution of the problems in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The tension escalated after the publication of the map by a nationalist Turkish website, where the admiral often expresses his views. Jihat Yaici, known for his role in the Turko-Libyan Memorandum. Strong reactions from the Turkish side followed, with Turkey warning that it would take measures to protect its interests in the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
The Commission clarified that the maps were compiled from international and national sources, noting that the collection and processing of the data belong to the competent sources. He also pointed out that Greece has not yet submitted its full MFA, which has caused delays.
This confrontation comes a few days after the meeting of Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, while tensions continue over the laying of the Cyprus-Crete electricity interconnection cable, which has also caused reactions from Ankara.
The announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey is as follows:
“Turkey closely monitors the Maritime Spatial Planning of the European Union (EU), sends the necessary warnings to the relevant parties and takes all measures to protect its rights in the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
»The maps used in this study for the Aegean and the Mediterranean are invalid for Turkey and there is no question of creating a practical or legal effect.
“We repeat that we will not allow Turkey’s rights to be violated with this plan.
“We would like to remind you that the EU has no competence to express an opinion on maritime disputes between sovereign states. The involvement of the EU in such initiatives makes it more difficult to resolve these disputes.
“Unilateral actions regarding areas of maritime jurisdiction are unacceptable. Such unilateral efforts will undermine efforts to find a comprehensive, just and sustainable solution to the interrelated issues of the Aegean.
“An honest and comprehensive approach should be adopted to solve the problems on the basis of international law and good neighborliness.”
