Stefanos Nikolaidis

For the strategic significance of Electric Interconnection of Greece, Cyprus and Israelbut also for the Turkish reactions raised, talked to the skai.gr Professor of International Law and ND MP, Angel Syrigos.

As he explains, the cable is not just technicalbut also political workthat brings to the surface the crucial role of Sea law and the geostrategic correlations in East Mediterranean.

‘The idea for the project already started by 2011-2014 period. But in order to be able to move on, it had to join European funding programs, which took time. ” As he says, by 2011 the cables did not cause reactions from Turkey. “But since then the harassment has begun, with a Norwegian boat first. Beyond that it became almost a rule. “

‘The interconnection cable essentially negates the blue homeland’

Referring to international law, Mr Syrigos points out that cables is guaranteed right in open watersaccording to UN Convention for the Sea law. In Greek territorial waters or continental shelf, it is defined, ‘You are not asking for permission from anyone, not even update” However, when it comes to international waters or another country’s continental shelf, the practice provides for information via Navtex.

Turkey, he explains, is probably reacting to its own view of ‘turquoise»And the so -called”Blue” Argues that the area From Crete to Kasowhere the cable crossing is planned, it falls into its own continental shelf. “If the cable is finally bet, it will pass through areas where Turkey considers its own, which in practice cancels the concept of ‘blue homeland’,” he says.

The project, underlines, is currently in its first stage – seabed. OR second phase will be the same pound. In the investigation phase, ships move at reduced speed and are issued NAVTEX for security reasons. “I realize that at this time it is not going to be issued by NAVTEX, so the project is temporarily freezing.”he says.

However, when investigations begin, he estimates that there will be a Turkish reaction, but without being able to determine its intensity.

“If they prevent us from placing the cable, a previous one is created. Will try to prevent any project in the Eastern Mediterranean and to Cyprus. That is, We will not be able to get out of the 6 nautical miles even“, He notes, ending with emphasis.