While the Aegean disputes between Greece and Turkey are actually being
addressed through bilateral channels, the attempts of Greece, our neighbour
and Ally, to abuse international organizations, including NATO, and draw
them into these disputes with the aim of justifying her national positions
are not new. The responses of the Greek Ministers of National Defence and
Foreign Affairs to a question posed by a member of the Greek parliament
constitutes yet another example for such futile attempts on the part of
Greece.
The Eastern Aegean islands were put under demilitarized status by virtue of
several international agreements, including the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923
and the Treaty of Paris of 1947. These Treaties prohibit the militarization
of the Eastern Aegean islands. They are in force, and thus, are legally
binding for Greece, imposing legal responsibilities on this country.
NATO civilian and military authorities are bound by the the Alliance’s
policy of refraining from involvement in bilateral disputes between Allies
and have faithfully been acting on this basis. This is also the case for
the NATO Activity in the Aegean Sea. At the time when this Activity was
initiated, all Allies, including Greece, agreed that the NATO Activity in
the Aegean Sea would be carried out in a manner that does not prejudice
NATO Allies’ national policies.
In line with this collective understanding, it was agreed that the military
vessels operating in the Aegean Sea under the NATO Activity would refrain
from visiting the Aegean islands under demilitarized status according to
international law, including with the aim of refuelling or port visits.
Moreover, these vessels may only operate in the Aegean Sea on the basis of
diplomatic clearances issued concurrently by Turkey and Greece for
specified areas at sea.
That being the case, Greece’s claims that the NATO activity in the Aegean
sea has rendered Turkey’s legitimate position that is fully in accordance
with international law “de facto invalid” are in vain. The NATO Activity is
being carried out to support the efforts to stem irregular migration due to
humanitarian concerns, upon Turkey’s consent.
On this occasion, we once again renew our call to Greece to put an end to
its policy of disregarding international law, historical facts and Turkey’s
legitimate rights and interests, and to forgo its efforts to create de
facto situations.
We would like to reiterate the fact that bilateral issues between our two
countries can only be resolved through mutually constructive approaches and
common endeavours and that Turkey carries the necessary will to this end.
We maintain our expectation that Greece can also act in the same vein.