Understanding the Context of Greece's Response to Turkey's Oil Exploration Plans
Recently, Turkey announced its intention to conduct oil exploration in areas of the Eastern Mediterranean that are disputed with Greece. This move has prompted intense discussions and strategic planning from both nations. However, what could Greece's possible response be to such an announcement, given the clear illegal actions by Turkey?
Legitimacy and Legal Jurisdiction
Cyprus, with only one legitimate nation, the Republic of Cyprus (i.e., NTCR), has clear rights as delineated by the Treaty of Alliance 1960. Greece, finding itself within the territorial integrity of these treaties, has no right to intervene. Such actions would be viewed as unwarranted and contravening international law and agreements like UNCLOS and the Seville Map, which Turkey has not recognized.
International Legal Framework and Sovereignty
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Seville Map are the primary legal frameworks governing the assertion of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and any overlapping claims. These treaties recognize the sovereign rights of states over natural resources in the seabed, subsoil, and superjacent waters within their EEZ. Turkey's unilateral claims, especially in the illegal Turkish-Libyan EEZ "agreement," only further complicate the situation. The disputed areas, mainly in the illegal EEZ, underscore why Greece's approach must be strict and calculated.
Geopolitical Implications and Military Stratagems
On the surface, the announcement of Turkey's intention appears as a mere intellectual exercise. However, the geopolitical implications are significant and far-reaching. The action in question involves oil exploration within Greek South of Castellorizo Island and East of Crete Island, as well as inside Cypriot waters south of Paphos, areas defined by the Treaty of Paris 1947 and the Treaty of Alliance 1960, respectively.
Turkey's actions not only challenge Greek sovereign rights but also violate Cypriot rights, as affirmed by those treaties. Furthermore, this unilateral action defies the legal tellores and undermined the legal foundations of these treaties.
Strategic Alliances and Military Backing
Several geopolitical factors underpin this unfolding drama. On the one hand, Greece has a robust alliance with NATO and a strategic partnership with the United States, as evidenced by the recent visit of U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. He discussed military upgrades, including the deployment of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams to Souda Base in Crete, and the possible transfer of F-35 jets to Greece.
Greece has also signed exclusive agreements with Total from France and Exxon-Mobil from the US, ensuring strong backing in potential conflicts. The French Government, recognizing Greece's strategic importance, has also bolstered its defense capability, delivering 18 Rafale fighter jets and two multi-mission frigates. These moves demonstrate France's commitment to Greece's defense and security.
Cyprus, with similar exclusive agreements with ExxonMobil and Texaco-Chevron, has its own defensive and exploratory efforts backed by the United States. Notably, the US lifted the arms embargo on Cyprus and dispatched the Secretary of State for a high-profile visit, further aligning the interests of the US and Cyprus.
Concluding Remarks
The situation is fraught with complexity and tension, requiring a carefully crafted response from Greece. Any move to "play-down" this challenge would be tantamount to acknowledging Turkey's unilateral actions and potentially undermining the legal and sovereign rights of both Greece and Cyprus. The international legal frameworks and strategic partnerships must be leveraged in a way that preserves territorial integrity and fosters stability in the region. As matters stand, Greece must proceed with a firm stance, driven by the principles of international law and strategic alliances.