Italy’s move supports Türkiye’s sovereignty in Eastern Mediterranean
A view of the Geo Barents, a ship which took part in an operation by members of the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to rescue migrants, Mediterranean Sea, June 11, 2021 (Reuters Photo)
Italian cable-laying ship C/S TELIRI has caused an uproar in Greek media by broadcasting a NAVTEX message from a Turkish station for work within Türkiye’s Blue Homeland borders in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The announcement, which acknowledges the work area as part of Türkiye’s sovereignty, has deeply disturbed Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GKRY). This region was claimed to be under Greek sovereignty according to the so-called Seville Map. Italy’s move demonstrated its rejection of Greek claims. In response, Greece hastily issued a NAVTEX.
Experts note this is not the first such incident. They recall that the German R/V Meteor ship sought permission from Türkiye, not Greece, for scientific research in areas Greece considers its own territorial waters in the Aegean Sea. Similarly, on March 26, 2003, Greece requested permission from Türkiye to conduct research south of the Meis Island.
In 2018, German ship the Maria S. Merian also sought and received approval from Türkiye for research between Crete and Cyprus, resulting in a NAVTEX being issued.
