Türkiye strongly reacts to Greece's announcement of new marine parks
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a strong response to Greece's recent announcement regarding the declaration of two new Marine Parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong response to Greece's recent announcement regarding the declaration of two new Marine Parks in the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had revealed plans to declare these parks during the "Our Oceans Conference" scheduled to be held in Athens on April 16-17.
In a written statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Greece's persistent efforts to exploit various platforms concerning Aegean issues.
Despite recent signs of thawing relations, Türkiye views Greece's latest move as an attempt to exploit environmental issues.
The statement advised Greece against using Aegean issues and matters related to the status of certain islands, islets, and rocks not ceded to Greece by international agreements for its agenda.
Furthermore, the statement warned third parties, including the European Union, not to become complicit in Greece's political maneuvers related to environmental programs.
It emphasized that international maritime law encourages cooperation between neighboring states on environmental matters in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas, highlighting Türkiye's readiness for cooperation with Greece in the Aegean Sea.
The statement reiterated Türkiye's refusal to accept any de facto situations that Greece may attempt to create on disputed geographical formations.
It also clarified that the announced Marine Parks would have no legal implications regarding the ongoing issues between the two countries in the Aegean Sea.
The response from Türkiye underscores the continuing tensions and sensitivities surrounding maritime disputes between the two neighbors, despite recent efforts to improve relations.
Source: Newsroom
