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Greece and the concept of exclusive economic zone

20 April 2011 / 09:04:07  GRReporter
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The Professor of International Law and International Politics at the University of Pandion Angelos Sirigos explained the difference between the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf and presented the rights of the countries in each of the two areas. He said that of the 152 UN member countries that are entitled to determine an exclusive economic zone 129 have done it. Among the 23 countries that have not determined such zones 8 are in the Mediterranean basin. "This is related to the fact that the area is limited and an informal agreement has been in force so far not to determine such areas. But it no longer applies. Most of the countries determined exclusive economic zones in the period 2000-2010."
 
He is also convinced that Greece should establish its exclusive economic zone, without false hopes that it could resolve all bilateral issues between Athens and Ankara. He said that many of the rights which Greece considers that it would acquire after resolving the issue of the continental shelf could be exercised now. "The energy sources such as natural gas or oil, which are outside the region of Kastelorizo or in any other place in the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan seas, could be explored and used now – it is not necessary to wait for the determination of the exclusive economic zone."
 
The journalist from the big daily newspaper Kathimerini Stavros Ligeros spoke mainly about the Greek-Turkish relations and the actions in determining the Greek exclusive economic zone in the Aegean Sea. He said Greece should not in any event hesitate to exercise the rights provided by the international law. He referred to the experience of Cyprus, which - despite the direct and indirect response by Turkey - determined its exclusive economic zone. "We see, however, that the European Union accepted the position of Cyprus, supports it, and there are political tools available for this." Stavros Ligeros also said that Greece should not be timid and should refer any differences with Turkey to the international court in The Hague, which is the competent authority for their resolving. "I would like to refer to a statement made by the chief of the Turkish navy in 2008, who said that "the Eastern Mediterranean would become the outbreak of conflicts and clashes, as it is expected to increase its importance because of the oil deposits in the area. It will become a new Gulf. Turkey should be on the alert and should respond." This statement was made in October 2008. A month later, the Turkish authorities permitted a Norwegian ship to explore the presence of oil in the Aegean Sea and provoked our response. And in June 2010, when Greece officially mentioned the word exclusive economic zone for the first time, the research vessel Piri Reis appeared in the Greek territorial waters. We knew this would happen, but I think it is no reason to make concessions for rights to which we are entitled under the international law," he said in conclusion.

 

Tags: PoliticsInternational lawExclusive economic zoneContinental shelfResourcesGreeceTurkeyMediterranean basin
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