The French-flagged vessel that will undertake research for laying the GSI power cable linking the networks of Greece and Cyprus will have to contact in advance and cooperate with Turkish authorities, according to Turkish diplomats quoted by Hurriyet daily.

The paper said that Turkey “does not oppose projects involving undersea cables and does not propose to hinder the development of international connectivity networks.” Nevertheless, as it notes, Ankara objects to preliminary research or cable-laying work in marine regions where Turkey claims sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

Turkey argues that before such activities are launched the country under whose flag the vessels involved is sailing must communicate with Ankara through diplomatic channels to secure the requisite mechanisms of cooperation, coordination and pre-emption of complications. Ankara says that this approach is in line with international law and government practices.

The Hurriyet article essentially confirms a Kathimerini report in August.

Source: Ekathimerini.com