Nikos Dendias: Greece Exercised Its Rights in the Ionian Sea Under UNCLOS Provisions

This move, enacted in the face of Turkish threats and tensions in the Aegean, has been regarded as a critical step in asserting Greece's maritime rights.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias marked a significant anniversary on Monday, reflecting on Greece’s decision four years ago to extend its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea from six to twelve nautical miles. This move, enacted in the face of Turkish threats and tensions in the Aegean, has been regarded as a critical step in asserting Greece’s maritime rights.

The territorial expansion was officially ratified by the Greek Parliament in January 2021, when Dendias, then Foreign Minister, introduced the legislation. The decision aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Greece, like every other EU member state, adheres to. In contrast, Turkey, a prospective EU candidate, has neither signed nor followed UNCLOS in the Aegean Sea.

Dendias emphasized Greece’s commitment to international law in his statement, highlighting that Greece has also delineated its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Italy in the Ionian Sea based on UNCLOS provisions. This decision underscores Greece’s adherence to established legal frameworks in the face of ongoing regional challenges.

Source: pagenews.gr