“Unfortunately, the new Navtex issued by Turkey for 1-14 November, reserving an area within the Greek continental shelf for the conduct of illegal seismic surveys, reconfirms yet again that Turkey is continuing to ignore the fundamental rules of International Law,” the Greek Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
“At the same time, this action creates further tension in a vulnerable region in which attention is now focused on the provision of assistance and on expressions of support and solidarity. These actions show once again that Turkey is continuing to act in defiance of the appeals of the international community, including the Conclusions of the October meeting of the European Council, which called on Turkey to cease these actions,” it added.
Greece reiterated its condemnation of this illegal conduct, which further undermines the prospect of a constructive dialogue and calls on Turkey to immediately retract the illegal Navtex it issued.
“In this context, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias issued instructions for a demarche to be made immediately to the Turkish side and for Greece’s allies and partners to be notified of Turkey’s ongoing provocative conduct,” it underlined.
In response to Turkey’s illegal NAVTEX for activities within the Greek continental self, the Navy Hydrographic Service (HNHS) in Herakleion, Crete, on Sunday issued a counter-NAVTEX.
Greece’s counter-NAVTEX underlines that the Turkish activity is unauthorised and illegal, in an area that overlaps the Greek continental shelf.
It also said that the Herakleion Navtex station has the authority to broadcast Navtex messages in the area.
Source: ANA-MPA
