Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus expects a European reaction if Turkey’s parliament passes a planned “maritime jurisdiction law” codifying Ankara’s maritime claims in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas under the “Blue Homeland” doctrine.
Christodoulides cites international law and consultations
Christodoulides said the planned law affects Cyprus and Greece, as well as other European states and the United States, which he said has interests in the region based on international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
He said he discussed the matter with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a visit to Athens last week and that the issue had also been raised with European leaders. He added that Cyprus is monitoring developments and expressed hope that Turkey would not proceed with what he described as illegal actions.
“If it proceeds with any actions, the reaction should be European,” he said, adding that Cyprus has already taken preventative steps together with Mitsotakis.
Possible impact on Cyprus talks
Asked whether the bill’s passage could negatively affect discussions on the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides said it would not be positive, particularly at a time when he said an important effort is underway by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Turkey says bill addresses legal framework
Turkey’s defence ministry said last Friday that the bill would define responsibilities in Turkey’s maritime jurisdiction areas and address shortcomings in its domestic legal framework, adding that finishing touches were being put to the draft.
TRT report outlines scope of draft law
Last Thursday, Turkish public broadcaster TRT reported that sources from the ruling AK Party said the bill would codify into law the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf boundaries that constitute Turkey’s maritime borders.
TRT said the draft also addresses the legal status of islands, islets and rocks in the Aegean Sea that occasionally cause tension between Turkey and Greece and are referred to as “grey zones,” adding that their description and status would be included in the “Blue Homeland law.” TRT also said the bill would be drafted in accordance with the principles of international maritime law.
Long-running Greece-Turkey maritime dispute
Greece and Turkey have long disputed their maritime boundaries, with the disagreement stemming from whether islands generate their own EEZ.
How do you think Turkey’s planned maritime jurisdiction law could affect regional diplomacy in the Aegean and Mediterranean?