Turkey today issued a new illegal NAVTEX, announcing the continuation of its illegal seismic surveys from 21 to 29 November in a region overlapping the Greek continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean, an act which constitutes once more a violation of the International Law of the Sea and undermines peace, security and stability in the region.
Unfortunately, Turkey is once again blatantly ignoring calls by the International Community and the European Council to refrain from illegal actions and activities that lead to further escalation and tension, as well as the need to comply with international legality. These actions, which essentially cancel any prospect for improving EU-Turkey relations, are taking place, while Turkish officials state that their country’s accession to the EU is a “strategic priority.”
Greece reiterates its condemnation of this illegal conduct, which further undermines any prospect for a constructive dialogue, and calls on Turkey to immediately retract its illegal Navtex.
November 21, 2020