Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis that Ankara intends to proceed with legislation on Turkey’s maritime zones, a proposal known as the “Blue Homeland” bill, during talks on the sidelines of the SEECP Summit in Sofia.

The issue, discussed by the two ministers, has now been confirmed at the highest official level.

The proposal is expected to become a significant source of friction in Greek-Turkish relations when it is introduced for a vote in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, a step expected in the autumn.

According to the Greek Foreign Ministry, Gerapetritis told Fidan that unilateral actions do not produce legal effects and do not contribute to maintaining a calm atmosphere.

He reiterated Greece’s position that the only dispute between the two countries concerns the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.

Turkish diplomatic sources cited by correspondent Manolis Kostidis said Fidan described the draft law on Maritime Jurisdiction Zones as national legislation currently on the agenda of the Turkish parliament.

According to the same sources, Fidan said Turkey respects international law and the principles of good neighborly relations.

The Turkish minister also reportedly expressed disapproval of statements made by some groups based on what he described as incomplete information about the draft law.

Such statements, he said, could negatively affect bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey. He added that Ankara expects more responsible behavior on the issue.

The same sources said Fidan told Gerapetritis that the Eastern Mediterranean should be a space for cooperation rather than escalation.

He also said steps harmful to Turkey and potentially damaging to regional stability should be avoided.

The comments were described as consistent with statements made earlier by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan concerning Israel and with messages relating to the Republic of Cyprus.

The comments came amid growing indications from Ankara of a possible increase in tensions in coming months, reflected in a slow but steady return to violations of Greek national airspace in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: Ekathimerini.com