Turkey warns Greece, Cyprus and Israel over underwater cable project
The Turkish Ministry of National Defence (MSB) has issued a sharp warning to Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration, and Israel concerning a planned subsea electricity cable project.
The Ministry has emphasised that such activities conducted on Turkey’s continental shelf must be coordinated with Ankara in advance, in accordance with international law. Authorised actions that disregard Turkey' s rights and interests will not be permitted, and developments in the region are being closely monitored, with the necessary measures set to be implemented.
The cable project, which aims to connect the three nations, has triggered a clear response from Turkey. The MSB specified that all activities, such as cable laying, pipe installation, or scientific research within Turkey’s continental shelf, require prior approval.
This stance reflects Turkey’s long-standing position regarding sovereignty over its maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The dispute over the continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean has long been an area defined by tensions related to maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and access to energy resources. Turkey has repeatedly asserted that certain areas claimed by Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration overlap with Turkey’s own continental shelf.
This conflict is complex, involving interpretations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which Turkey has not ratified.
The planned cable, which would link the infrastructure of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, is viewed by Ankara as a potential provocation should it cross areas Turkey considers its own continental shelf without prior consent. Turkey views any unilateral activity in these waters as a violation of its international rights and national interests, and has previously responded to similar projects and drilling activities in the region.
The statement from the Turkish Ministry of Defence underscores Turkey' s readiness to protect its maritime claims. This warning could have significant implications for future infrastructure projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly those involving countries with which Turkey has maritime disagreements.
It indicates that any such development will face opposition if it is not coordinated with Turkey. The MSB confirmed that it is closely monitoring all developments in the region to ensure that Turkey’s rights and interests are not undermined.
The Ministry stated that necessary measures would be taken to prevent unauthorised activities, signalling a continuation of Turkey’s firm stance on maritime issues in the strategically important Eastern Mediterranean.
Source: Star
