Turkey has warned Greece through a diplomatic note over three initiatives announced by Athens in August, according to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, which Ankara reportedly views as attempts to create faits accomplis in the Aegean.
The Turkish side has reportedly made clear that it will not accept activities that, in its assessment, alter the existing status quo in the region.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Milliyet, Ankara’s note sets out its objections to three Greek initiatives announced in August: the Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism, announced on August 7; the Special Spatial Planning Framework for Renewable Energy Sources, announced on August 19; and the Special Spatial Planning Framework for Industry and Supply Chains, announced on August 28.
‘No activity will be allowed’
According to the report, Turkey argues that the initiatives could create “faits accomplis” on islets and rocky islets in the Aegean that it describes as “disputed areas and geographical formations”.
The diplomatic note reportedly states that “no activity that changes the status quo in the Aegean will be allowed”.
Ankara raises ‘maximalist claims’
Turkey has also linked its objections to the potential environmental and cross-border effects of Greece’s planning initiatives.
According to Milliyet, Ankara argues that environmental or sectoral planning cannot be used to advance broader territorial or other claims.
The Turkish note reportedly describes it as unacceptable to advance “maximalist claims under the pretext of environmental and sectoral planning”.
Turkey also reportedly said that any consequences arising from Greece’s unilateral steps would not affect its rights, interests or the existing legal status of the area.
Ankara further referred to international law, which it said encourages cooperation in enclosed and semi-enclosed seas.
A renewed message over the Aegean
Milliyet presents the diplomatic move as a further message to Greece, with Ankara seeking to underline what it considers its rights and interests in the Aegean.
The newspaper said Turkey had once again sent Greece, as a NATO ally, the message: “I am here in the Aegean too.”
Disputed geographical formations
According to the report, the same diplomatic note states that Turkey will not accept the creation of faits accomplis involving Aegean geographical formations whose sovereignty, in Ankara’s view, has not been transferred to Greece through international treaties.
The issue is linked to the longstanding dispute between the two NATO allies over so-called “grey zones” in the Aegean.
Turkey reiterates position on maritime borders
Turkey also reportedly reiterated its longstanding position that maritime boundaries in the Aegean can only be determined through an agreement, taking all relevant treaties into account and based on the principle of equity.
According to Milliyet, Ankara is therefore reiterating its position that “no one can draw borders in the Aegean at will”.
Also read: “Achilles Shield” creates new strategic landscape for Cyprus
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