In an unprecedented statement that directly disputes the legitimacy of the Greek islands in the Aegean, Ankara on Wednesday finally said why it continues to refuse to sign the Convention on the Law of the Sea, as have all EU member states, as well as candidate states (with the exception of Turkey).
During a Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting Greek Euro-parliamentarian (from the New Democracy party) G. Koumoutsakou pressed Turkish authorities to answer why they have yet to sign this important UN Convention, and Turkish Minister for European Affairs Egemen Bagis simply (and boldly) responded that his country disputes the ownership of the Aegean islands! (Meaning that Turkey has claims in the Aegean)
Specifically he said "Ankara will not sign the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea because of the problems that exist with Greece concerning the Aegean islands." He said his country will refuse to sign the Convention, "even if we (Turkey) joins the European Union unless these issues are solved".
And yes... he was directly referring to what he believes are "grey areas ".
"The statements by Mr. Bagis' are -as far as I know- the first such public statements ever made by a Turkish official (regarding this issue). Beyond all other things, it shows that a candidate country only accepts international laws, conventions and the European acquis when it serves its own interests and aspirations. This raises a serious question in regards to Turkey's relations with both Greece and the EU" said Koumoutsakos.
Editor's Note - Why the surprise Mr. Koumoutsakos? Turkey is just showing its true colors. We are not surprised at all. The question is what are you going to do about it? E?
Original article in Greek found on defencenet
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