Chatzivasiliou: The Turkish map has nothing to do with international law – Greece does not make a cartography competition

“Greece does not conduct cartography with anyone – it applies international law,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hatzivasiliou told Real FM, referring to the map submitted by Turkey to UNESCO for its own maritime spatial planning.

As he said, the map of Ankara is not based on any provision for international law and does not produce any legal effect. “It captures the permanent Turkish positions, but it has no legal effect. Greece will move at all levels, as it always does, “he said.

Mr. Hadjivasiliou recalled that the Greek marine spatial planning is part of the Community acquis and is part of an integrated strategy that is intensely shielding national interests. He emphasized that the Mitsotakis government is consistently moving, as the recent announcement of the creation of marine parks has shown in areas with an environmental priority. “Those who are criticizing today, let them explain why they did not make such moves when they were responsible. Why didn’t EEZ agreements with Italy and Egypt? Why didn’t they do spatial planning? Where was the shield of Evros and the Aegean? “He asked.

Responding to recent reports, the Deputy Minister categorically denied any information about mediation between Greece and Turkey about the continental shelf. “Greek positions are absolutely clear and are based on international law,” he said, recalling the stable statements of George Gerapetritis that the country is pursuing foreign policy and positions, remaining consistent in its diplomatic stance.

Concerning the positive agenda, he noted that, despite the disagreements, it is a responsible choice that allows for the promotion of minor policy issues, without changing national positions. As he said, it is a structured process that has already produced practical results, such as visa facilitating the Aegean islands and strengthening cooperation in migration. “Without the positive agenda we would not have thousands of Turkish visitors to our islands. We do not change our positions, but we find practical fields of cooperation, “he said.

Finally, he criticized PASOK for his attitude on national issues, calling for it to stand up to the circumstances. “PASOK insists on following an irresponsible attitude. What did he do in foreign policy on his days? The Mitsotakis government shields the national interest in practice. Greece is today one of the countries that have submitted a reliable maritime spatial planning and have signed exemplary EEZ and continental shelf agreements with neighboring countries. This is responsible for foreign policy, “the deputy minister concluded, asking the opposition to be lifted to the circumstances.