In our collective political conscience, Τhe Hague has always been the last recourse for settling the long-lasting dispute between Greece and Turkey. As early as 1975, when Konstantinos Karamanlis had proposed to Bülent Ecevit to refer the issue of the continental shelf to the Court by means of a joint special agreement, Greece had signalled that it is a country that believes in international legality and the use of peaceful means to resolve its disputes.
In the decades that followed, Greece never wavered from this spirit of good cooperation with its neighbours, as proven by the agreements it signed with Italy and Egypt this summer — agreements that are absolutely balanced and grounded in the Law of the Sea, that confirm that two sovereign states can come to an understanding to delimit their maritime zones in order not to bicker over, but to leverage their marine wealth productively.
We aim for exactly such a relationship with Turkey. That is why we are prepared to recommence the dialogue that was left unfinished in 2016.
However, we must clarify under which terms this will take place.
Firstly, we must agree on the subject matter. The dispute with Turkey concerns the delimitation of maritime zones, and does not extend to broader issues or unilateral claims that are labelled “bilateral disputes”.
Furthermore, the dispute must be examined solely in the light of international legality. In the 21st century, the sovereign rights of states are not determined by their might, but by the mandates of customary and statutory Law of the Sea.
These are binding on all states.
Finally, the path of legality is not one of intentions and verbalism, but one of demonstrable respect for rules. Extortion, belligerent rhetoric and militarism have no place on the negotiating table.
This is the path that both countries should follow in our exploratory talks: adhering to a clear road map on procedures and content, in order to build the trust appropriate for neighbouring states in a gradual manner.
However, should negotiations not prove fruitful, seeking recourse with The Hague always remains an option — an option that is peaceful, consensual and in accordance with the rule of law, an option that we are prepared to utilise.
If Greece and Turkey commit themselves to a judicial solution based on a joint special agreement, this will unquestionably serve as a diplomatic acquis and constitute a victory of International Law over militarism.
September 19, 2020