Implementation by Turkey of the Law of the Sea

9.2.2007

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0802/07
by Dimitrios Papadimoulis (GUE/NGL)
to the Commission

In its 2006 progress report on Turkey (SEC(2006)1390, 8.11.2006), the Commission notes that the accession partnership for Turkey has included as a short-term priority to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations; address any sources of friction with its neighbours and refrain from any action which could negatively effect the process of peaceful settlement of border disputes. It also emphasises that the ‘casus belli’ reference in relation to the possible extension of Greek territorial waters in the resolution adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1995 remains unchanged.

The Republic of Cyprus has signed bilateral agreements with Egypt and Lebanon on the joint regulation of their exclusive economic zone in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), which also forms part of the Community acquis. Turkey which has not signed the Unclos, responded by threatening Cyprus, Lebanon and Egypt and stating that it considers the agreements being signed to be invalid. Through these actions, the Turkish Government is undermining good neighbourly relations with Member States of the European Union and with third countries.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

What actions does it intend to take in order to notify Turkey that it has no right to call into question the sovereign rights of Member States based on international conventions and the Community acquis?

How does it intend to persuade Turkey forthwith to accept the Law of the Sea which constitutes part of the Community acquis and a basis for the settlement of any maritime differences which may arise?

OJ C 293, 05/12/2007