Türkiye criticizes Greece’s marine spatial planning as violation of international law

Türkiye has criticized Greece’s recently announced “Marine Spatial Planning” initiative, claiming it violates international law and disregards the rights and interests of neighboring states, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MoD).

The remarks came during a press briefing held at the 40th Commando Training Brigade Command in Isparta, followed by a Q&A session with journalists.

‘Greece’s unilateral planning is against international law’

Responding to questions about Greece’s “Marine Spatial Planning” (MSP) policy, Turkish MoD sources stated: “Greece’s recent Marine Spatial Planning, announced to the public, includes certain initiatives regarding the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea that lack legal basis and are against international law. These are being closely monitored by us.”

“As the Turkish Armed Forces, we are fully determined to protect our rights and interests in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean,” Turkish MoD sources added.

“Such unilateral planning by Greece concerning maritime jurisdictions is contrary to international law. Türkiye believes that a fair, equitable sharing of maritime authority in the region is only possible through mutual dialogue and goodwill,” sources said.

“Greece’s unilateral actions, claims, and statements that disregard existing disputes and violate the rights of the Turkish side are unacceptable. These statements have no legal implications for our country,” Turkish MoD sources noted.

“Within the scope of the Blue Homeland understanding, the Turkish Armed Forces continue their mission to protect Türkiye’s maritime rights and interests with determination and resolve. Developments in the region are being closely monitored, and necessary measures are taken promptly when required,” sources concluded.

Response to Greek military chief’s remarks

Regarding Greek Chief of General Staff Dimitrios Choupis’ comment that “we are ready to respond to Türkiye within 5 minutes,” Turkish Ministry of Defense sources said: “Do not expect us to respond to statements so absurd that even those who make them don’t believe them. These remarks are ridiculous.”

Turkish Foreign Ministry rejects Greece’s maritime plan

The Turkish Foreign Ministry recently responded that “unilateral actions and faits accomplis will continue to produce no legal effect for our country, as was the case in the past.”

In its official statement released on April 16, Turkish Foreign Ministry stated, “Some of the areas specified in the “Maritime Spatial Plan” (MSP) declared by Greece within the framework of E.U. legislation violate Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction areas in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

“We reiterate that Greece’s unilateral actions and claims will not have any legal consequences for Türkiye,” statement noted.

“We also recall that unilateral actions should be avoided in a closed or semi-closed sea such as the Aegean and the Mediterranean, that international maritime law encourages cooperation between coastal states in these seas, including on environmental issues, and in this regard, Türkiye is always ready to cooperate with Greece in the Aegean Sea,” Turkish Foreign Ministry stated.

“The aforementioned actions and fait accompli attempts, as in the past, will not have any legal consequences for Türkiye today or in the future,” statement added.

“Türkiye maintains its position that a sincere and comprehensive approach should be adopted to resolve issues on the basis of international law, equity and good neighborliness within the framework of the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness, dated 7 December 2023, which reflects the spirit that both parties want to uphold in Turkish-Greek relations,” statement concluded.

According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Ankara will submit its own MSP to UNESCO and the relevant bodies of the United Nations as the nation announced its own MSP recently.