Discussions Erupt in Greece
Turkey has declared two National Marine Parks in the Aegean Sea. This development has sparked extensive discussions in both Greek and Cypriot media. Greek academics suggest that a similar move could be taken around Cyprus. Reports in Greek media indicate curiosity regarding the implications of Turkey’s marine parks project for Cyprus.
The weekly publication Kathimerini stated that Turkey’s initiatives regarding marine parks are just a beginning and these steps could reach Cyprus as well. The newspaper emphasized that Turkey could have a significant impact on the maritime jurisdiction areas in the Eastern Mediterranean with this project.
Evaluations from Academics
Greek scholars, including Professor Angelos Sirigos from Pandio University in International Law and Foreign Policy, and Professor Konstantinos Filis from the American University of Greece in International Relations, assessed the possibility of Turkey declaring a marine park in Cyprus. Sirigos argued that Turkey’s GSI (Great Sea Interconnector) project would lead Ankara to adopt a more aggressive approach towards the underwater cable connection with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), while Filis stated that the Greek Cypriot Administration needs to clarify its stance on this issue.
On the other hand, there is an alarm status on the Greek side. The newspaper Alithia mentioned that Greece is preparing for a “tough autumn” regarding the current situation and noted that Turkey’s marine park declarations in the Aegean have escalated tensions in the region.
The newspaper Fileleftheros pointed out that Turkey and Greece’s marine spatial planning is not limited to just the Aegean. It is claimed that Turkey may implement similar planning in Northern Cyprus as well. Even if such a map gains no international validity, it is suggested that it could be used by Ankara to demonstrate parallel authority in the north and east of Cyprus.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
