Greece Seeks EU Intervention Over Turkish 'Unlawful Fishing' in the Mediterranean
Greece's Appeal to the European Union
Background of the Dispute
ATHENS, May 15 (Reuters) - Greece on Friday asked the European Union to step in and stop what it said was unlawful fishing and violation of maritime law by Turkish fishermen in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
NATO allies and neighbours Greece and Turkey have been at odds for decades over where their continental shelves end and over maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea, including fishing.
Greek Government's Position
Shipping Minister's Statement
Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias brought up the issue in a meeting with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, on Friday in Athens.
"I've raised with the Commissioner a major issue for Greece regarding our fishermen and our fisheries and the provocative behaviour of our Turkish neighbours with regards to the unlawful fishing, the non-respect of the law of the sea, and the disputing of our sovereign rights," Kikilias said.
Call for EU Action
"We ask the European Union to intervene," Kikilias said, adding that Greek sea borders were also Europe's borders.
Response and Ongoing Issues
Turkish Response
Turkish officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Disputed Fishing Areas
Restricted Zones and Jurisdiction
Greece has designated restricted fishing areas in the Aegean Sea, some of which have been challenged by Turkey as being out of the country's jurisdiction. Athens last year protested against a Turkish maritime spatial plan that designated zones for fishing and other activities in the Aegean Sea.
EU Commission's Support
The EU Commission said last year that coastal states have the primary responsibility of enforcement as it supports Greece with patrols by the European Fisheries Control Agency, satellite imagery and inspection.
Prospects for Dialogue
Despite their disputes, the countries have regularly held talks to explore whether they can start discussions aimed at demarcating maritime zones.
(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
