Turkey challenges Greek plans for new marine park in Aegean Sea, citing sovereignty dispute
Turkey has reacted to Greek plans for establishing a new marine park in the Aegean Sea by contesting the nation’s sovereignty over islands within the region.
“We recommend Greece not to involve the outstanding Aegean issues, and the issues regarding the status of some islands, islets and rocks whose sovereignty has not been ceded to Greece by the international treaties, within the frame of its own agenda,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.
“We will not accept the fait accomplis that Greece may create on geographical features whose status is disputed,” it said.
“We would also like to advise third parties, including the EU, not to become a tool for Greece’s politically motivated attempts regarding environmental programs,” it said.
It was reported last week that Greece prepares to announce the creation of two new marine parks – in the Ionian and Aegean seas – ahead of the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Greece (April 15-17).
The first will span 11 groups of deserted islands and islets from west of the island of Milos to Nisyros, known as “the Greek Galapagos” due to their rich biodiversity. The second will encompass an area starting north of Kefalonia and ending at Kythera and Antikythera.
