Greek diplomatic sources have described a Turkish navigational warning, NAVTEX 953/26, as a provocative unilateral action. The NAVTEX announces surveys in the Eastern Mediterranean, which the sources characterised as illegal, in connection with the planned construction of an undersea natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the north.
Legal position under UNCLOS
The sources argued that the surveys lack any basis in international law.
"Under the international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), unilateral actions aimed at developing energy infrastructure without the consent of the Republic of Cyprus have no legal basis and violate its sovereignty and sovereign rights," the sources said.
Reference to the occupation
The sources linked the move to the broader situation on the island.
"These actions form part of an ongoing effort to consolidate the faits accomplis of the occupation and are manifestly contrary to the rules of international law," they added.
Impact on regional stability
The sources also warned of the wider consequences for the region.
"At a particularly critical juncture for the wider region, such actions heighten tensions, undermine confidence-building efforts and work against regional stability," the sources concluded.
Source: CNA
