Turkey declares Greece-Chevron activities off Crete illegal
Turkey has said that it opposes Greece's unilateral activities in hydrocarbon fields south of Crete, with a consortium led by U.S. oil giant Chevron. This is a violation of international law and good neighbourly relations.
Chevron, a consortium led by Chevron, signed exclusive lease agreements to search for natural gas in southern Greece on Monday. This will expand the United States presence in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish Defence Ministry stated at its weekly press briefing that "we oppose this illegal activity which is being tried in violation of 2019 Memorandum on Maritime Jurisdiction Between Libya and our Country".
The report said that while the activity did not directly affect Turkey's continental shelves in the region, it also violated Libyan maritime jurisdiction, declared to the United Nations by May 27, 2025.
"We will continue to provide the necessary support for the Libyan authorities in order to take action against the unilateral and illegal activities of Greece.
Greece rejected the 2019 agreement signed between Turkey and Libya that set maritime boundaries in Mediterranean Sea, as it did not take into account the Greek island Crete which lies between the coasts Turkey and Libya.
The Chevron deal doubles the amount available of Greek marine acreage for exploration. It is the second U.S. energy major to be involved in the past few months as the European Union tries to phase out Russian?supplies?and seeks replacements.
Since decades, neighbours and NATO members Turkey & Greece have been at loggerheads?over various issues, including maritime boundaries and rights along the Aegean Sea, an area believed to be rich in energy and having a 'key impact on airspace & military activity.
The 2023 declaration of friendly relations between the two countries has prompted a thawing in rhetoric, but issues remain unresolved even though leaders have expressed a desire for them to be addressed. (Reporting and editing by Daren Butler; Tuvan Gumrukcu)
(source: Reuters)
