Taking advantage of the impunity that characterises its relations with the EU, Turkey is continually flagrantly violating Greece’s sovereign rights in the Aegean.

On 11 February 2016, following the issue by Greece of a NOTAM for a search and rescue operation in area of Kinaros island following the tragic Greek Navy helicopter crash which finally left all three naval officers dead, the Turkish authorities, in a completely provocative manner, issued NOTAM (A0701/16) asking to be informed about any movements in the region, thereby once more calling into question Greece’s sovereign rights.

Moreover, a NOTAM (A0253/2016) issued on 19 January 2016 by the Turkish authorities questioned Greece’s right to carry out military exercises in the vicinity of the island of Ikaria. Indeed, this Turkish NOTAM calls the island of Ikaria by its Turkish name, which is a violation of the Lausanne Treaty.

In view of the above, will the High Representative state what measures she will take to:

Source: European Parliament

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini

The Conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 15 December 2015 reiterated the need for Turkey to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter. The Council expressed renewed concern about such provocations and incidents and urged Turkey to avoid any kind of threat or action directed against a Member State, or source of friction or actions, which damage good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes. More specifically, the Council explicitly stressed the need to respect the sovereign rights of all Member States over their territorial sea and airspace. In line with these Conclusions, the HR and the Commission also express these concerns when they hold political dialogue meetings with Turkey.