Tension in the Mediterranean: Greece and Turkey at loggerheads, international concern
The exploration ship Oruc Reis puts the balance between Greece and Turkey at risk
Share
January 25, 2021The "exploratory talks" between Turkey and Greece, focused on disputes in the eastern Mediterranean and other bilateral disputes, resumed this morning in Istanbul after almost five years.
The meeting marks a key moment for the relaunch of the dialogue, after months of strong tensions for Ankara's energy explorations in the Mediterranean in search of hydrocarbons, which according to Greece - supported by the EU - violate its exclusive economic zone.
Last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Athens is unwilling to negotiate over jurisdiction over sea areas it considers its own.
The parliament voted ten days ago a motion extending the nautical miles delimiting Greek territorial waters from 6 to 12.
While Turkey hopes to reach an agreement that could calm the climate with the European Union, Mitsotakis said he considered the first objective to agree on an international court or body to settle the long-standing dispute.
Turkey and Greece had about 60 meetings between 2002 and 2016, before the long break in the negotiations.