Greek-Turkish: The new Turkish provocation in the Aegean Sea goes to extremes – “Canceling” Greek maps and causing tension

AsAngara disputes Greek fishing charters, calling they are illegal and contrary to international law, raising the tension in the Aegean.

A Greek-Turkish relations, on the occasion of Turkey’s strong reaction to maps published by a Greek official concerning regulations of fishing activity in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish side disputes the legality of the depicted areas, arguing that there is no Greek jurisdiction beyond the 6 nautical mile territorial waters and citing actions that are not in line with international law. The issue reignites the long-standing disagreement between the two countries over maritime boundaries and the use of maritime resources, in an already sensitive geopolitical environment in the Aegean.

According to a report by Manolis Kostidis for Skai.gr, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, in a post, expressed annoyance over a finding on the official website of the Greek Fisheries Inspection Directorate, where maps have been published showing that Greece has introduced fishing bans in certain areas.

In these areas of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, according to the ministry of the neighbouring country, Greece has no jurisdiction and these maps are described as contrary to international law.

The statement

The statement reads: Maps drawing imaginary maritime boundaries between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea, where there are no real boundaries, are invalid and violate Turkish maritime jurisdiction.

The illegal restrictions imposed by Greece on fishing activities beyond its 6 nautical mile territorial waters, in areas where it has no jurisdiction and in international waters, are also invalid for Turkey.

Turkey will not accept any unilateral and illegal action that can be taken against the legitimate activities of Turkish fishermen, which are based on international law and historical rights.

With this understanding, we reiterate that Turkey maintains its position that a sincere and comprehensive approach should be adopted to solve the problems based on international law, equality and good neighbourliness, within the framework of the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighbourliness of 7 December 2023.