Finding the magic formula that will allow for the resumption of bathymetric and oceanographic measurements and, extend the GSI cable-laying operations.
The written notification sent by France to Turkey regarding the coordinates, dates, and nature of the work to be carried out by the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo on behalf of NEXANS, the cable manufacturer, appears to satisfy both Ankara and Athens.
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On the one hand, Greece is issuing the necessary permits, thereby preventing any challenge to its continental shelf, and on the other hand, Turkey is also satisfied—even if only at the level of public relations— by limiting itself to presenting the update as a request.
Giorgos Gerapetritis addressed this issue, emphasizing that Greece is the only country from which permission has been sought—and granted—for the power interconnection with Cyprus.
“There is no communication with Turkey regarding the laying of the power cable. This is a matter of Greece’s sovereign right. The prescribed procedures will be followed.” George Gerapetritis, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Turkish Foreign Minister is keeping a low profile, though he has refuted his Greek counterpart’s claims.
Responding to questions during a discussion at the European Policy Center, he stated that the issue of the cable was discussed between the leaders of Greece, Turkey, and France in New York.
“We have no objections. What we are asking is that, when a ship conducts surveys at sea, it send us a written notice—not just a verbal one—stating: ‘We are going to carry out specific activities in this specific area; here are the coordinates.’ Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister
Hakan Fidan added that his country does not wish to disrupt the status quo and that it is taking a positive stance, warning that failure to provide written notification would, as he put it, set a completely wrong precedent and, consequently, cause even greater problems for both sides.
See the report by Neoklis Neokleous
