With an official statement from the Ministry of Defense, Ankara escalates its reaction to Athens’ announcement of the completion of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), reiterating claims of “unilateral actions” and “violation of rights.”
Sources from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, following the stance of the Turkish Foreign Ministry from the previous day, spoke of “Greece’s statements and claims that ignore existing disputes,” stressing that such moves “cannot be accepted.”
According to the Turkish side, “these statements have no legal consequence for our country,” adding that “developments in the region are being closely monitored and necessary measures will be taken immediately if needed.”
This new response comes just hours after the official publication of the National Spatial Framework for the Marine Area by the Greek Ministries of Environment and Foreign Affairs. The document defines, for the first time with clarity, the country’s maritime zones, reflecting agreements with Italy and Egypt and outlining zones of potential Greek sovereignty based on the median line in areas not yet delimited.
Ankara had already hinted at its reaction, while government sources in Athens have made it clear that the submission of the MSP to the European Commission is not an act of delimitation but an integration of EU directives into national law – in accordance with the country’s obligations to the EU.
Full statement:
Such unilateral plans by Greece regarding maritime jurisdiction areas are contrary to international law.
“In the context of the ‘Marine Spatial Planning’ recently made public by Greece, certain initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, which have no legal basis and are contrary to international law, are being closely monitored by us.
As the Turkish Armed Forces, we are fully determined to protect our rights and interests in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. Such unilateral plans by Greece concerning maritime jurisdiction areas are contrary to international law.
Turkey maintains that a fair and equitable distribution of maritime jurisdiction in the region, in accordance with the principles of international law, can only be achieved through mutual dialogue and goodwill.
Unilateral actions, claims, and statements by Greece that ignore existing disputes and violate the rights of the Turkish side cannot be accepted. These statements have no legal consequences for our country.
Within the framework of the Blue Homeland doctrine, the Turkish Armed Forces continue their duty with dedication and determination to protect all kinds of Turkey’s rights and interests in areas of maritime jurisdiction.
In this context, developments in the region are being closely monitored, and the necessary measures are taken urgently if needed.”
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