Athens rejects Ankara's letter to the UN on Maritime Law
Greece has formally rejected Turkey's letter to the UN regarding interpretations of Maritime Law while asserting its own legal maritime rights.
Greece has dismissed a letter sent by Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on February 16, 2026, which followed previous notes from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt. The Greek government viewed this letter as unsurprising, emphasizing that it reiterates Turkey's familiar yet fanciful interpretations of International Law, particularly Maritime Law. These interpretations challenge Greece's legitimate rights and once again highlight Turkey's refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU and UN member state.
The Greek response points out that repeating legally unfounded claims does not confer them any validity or legal effect. Greece has consistently countered such claims in its communications to the UN, stressing that according to Maritime Law, the assertions put forward by Turkey lack legal grounding. In this context, Greece aims to reinforce its position in the face of ongoing disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean and maintain its sovereignty over its maritime domains.
In light of the recent diplomatic exchanges, it is evident that tensions between Greece and Turkey concerning maritime boundaries and rights remain unresolved. The Greek government’s firm stance on these issues underscores its commitment to uphold international law and maritime rights while navigating the complexities of regional geopolitics.