VP/HR — Casus belli of Turkey in the case of extending Greece's territorial to 12 nautical miles
23.10.2018
Question for written answer E-005428-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Kostas Chrysogonos (GUE/NGL)
Greece is the only country in the world that has not yet implemented its inalienable right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea[1]. All other countries (including Turkey) have exercised this right[2]. Greece has not proceeded with this extension because of the war threats openly made by Turkey (casus belli) if this sovereign right is exercised[3]. The Greek Government recently announced (on 20 October 2018) its intention to extend its territorial waters in specific areas in the Ionian Sea[4]. These announcements have prompted the Turkish government’s immediate reaction, stating that, in no way, would it allow the extension of Greece’s territorial waters, as casus belli continues to apply[5].
In view of the above, will the High Representative say:
- 1.What is her position on Turkey’s casus belli if Greece exercises its sovereign rights?
- 2.What steps does she intend to take to prevent Turkey from carrying out this threat by ensuring peace in the EU’s territories?
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A21998A0623%2801%29
- [2] https://slpress.gr/ethnika/lathos-i-exairesi-toy-aigaioy-apo-tin-epektasi-ton-chorikon-ydaton
- [3] See the decision by Turkey’s Grand National Assembly (8 June 1995); https://www.militaire.gr/ti-simainei-i-anakoinosi-kotzia-gia-tin-epektasi-ton-12-naytikon-milion-sto-ionio
- [4] https://www.newsbomb.gr/ellada/ethnika/story/926289/ti-einai-i-aigialitida-zoni-poies-allages-fernei-i-epektasi-sta-12-naytika-milia
- [5] https://www.parapolitika.gr/article/sta-charakomata-athina-agkira-gia-ta-chorika-idata