By Gifts Antoniou

The announcement of the marine spatial planning was made in terms of surprise by the government yesterday morning, but all evidence converges that there was very good preparation in order not to be surprised where it should be. It is indicative of the statement yesterday by the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidesthat he had been informed about the intentions of Athens. Diplomatic sources confirm that corresponding moves were made to other sides to ensure that Athens’ move to partners and allies do not cause the movement of Athens.

The announcement of the marine spatial planning at the same time a number of aspirations are achieved:

– Athens closes a pending years, which has been in constant friction with the EU. Our country has already had to submit to the March 2021, as a contractual obligation arising from a relevant European Directive. In December 2021, a letter was sent by the Commission, followed by convictions of the European Court of Justice, most recent on February 27th. The delay in compliance with the European directive is certainly not unrelated to the concern of Turkey’s possible reactions.

– The map presented by Athens captures the maritime zones of our country’s jurisdiction, delimited and potential. In essence, data already agreed and in addition to the Greek positions on the extent of the marine zones. This is done in a formal document, which will be deposited for use of the Commission and the EU.

– by imprinting and reporting that “In the non -demarcated areas, the midline setting the external boundary of the Greek continental shelf is reflected until the conclusion of demarcation agreements with neighboring states, whose coasts are adjacent or objects with the Greek coast”the Greek side addresses a clear message to Ankara that there is the Hague road to determine the zones.

This, after all, made it clear by the Foreign Minister and George Gerapetritiswho, speaking to SKAI, reiterated the desire of Athens to continue the Greek -Turkish dialogue. “I would like to emphasize that if we currently have two versions, one Greek and one Turkish, there is a way that could resolve it and that is the co -operative path to resolve this difference in determining the EEZ and this is always that Greece keeps”, “ emphasized.

Turkey’s first reaction, as reflected in a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, was in the context of Athens expected. Ankara hastened to point out that Greek positions ‘They have no legal consequences for Turkey’, while announcing that it would submit its own map of marine spatial planning in the United Nations and UNESCO. The State Agency East published a map that captures the intentions of the Turkish side, without being an official imprinting of the Ankara’s positions.

Both moves were expected from Athens, as they report valid sources were discussed as possible reactions to the scenarios that examined the KYSEAwhich met shortly after the official announcements of Athens. The Greek side is closely monitoring developments, as it will be clear in the near future whether Ankara seeks to escalate its reaction or not.