"We would like to believe that this is a position of principle and a first step in a common course with the 160 countries that have signed the relevant treaty," spokesman Grigoris Delavekouras said, commenting on a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Delavekouras said "the framework set by the international law is the only safe path toward defining the sea zones between the two countries and gives a clear response to the disputes expressed by Ankara."
Turkey currently disputes Greece's right, arising under the provisions of international maritime law, to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles. Additionally, a Turkish national assembly resolution threatening that any move by Greece to extend the current limit of six miles will be interpreted as a cause of war (casus belli) still stands.
Greece currently claims six miles of territorial waters around its coasts and islands but has not waived the right to extend this at some future date, as and when it sees fit.
Caption: ANA-MPA / EPA file photo.
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