The recent report published by Proto Thema on December 25, 2024, titled “Turkey tries to seize Cyprus’ EEZ in exchange for the divided Syria – Athens and Nicosia on alert,” is yet another example of the Greek media’s reflexive hostility to any geopolitical developments that do not align with their maximalist claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The article makes sweeping accusations against Türkiye’s proposed maritime delimitation agreement with Syria, portraying it as an opportunistic land grab. However, a closer examination reveals that the criticisms lack substance and disregard the legal and political realities underpinning Türkiye’s position.

An Agreement Built on Sovereignty and Law

The Türkiye-Syria maritime agreement, still in negotiation, seeks to establish Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in accordance with international maritime law. This agreement proposes granting Türkiye an additional 4,000 square kilometers of maritime area while assigning 12% of shared zones to Syria. These figures reflect an equitable division based on geographical realities, historical precedent, and established practices under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Greek narrative that this agreement constitutes a “seizure” of Cyprus’ EEZ is not only misleading but factually incorrect. The proposed zones in question lie between Türkiye and Syria, far removed from areas under Greek Cypriot control. Türkiye’s proactive diplomacy reflects its commitment to resolving disputes through bilateral negotiations, a stark contrast to the Greek Cypriot administration's obstructionist tactics, which have long stalled progress in the region.

A Response to Greek Claims

Proto Thema’s article sensationally claims that Türkiye is using Syria’s instability to coerce an agreement, implying a predatory approach. Yet the facts tell a different story. Syria, following the political transition facilitated by Türkiye, now has an interim government keen to rebuild its nation. The maritime agreement is a cooperative initiative between two sovereign states, benefiting both economies and advancing regional stability. As Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated, “The agreement will prioritize fairness and regional cooperation, ensuring mutual benefits for Türkiye and Syria.”

Moreover, the claim that this agreement “threatens Cyprus’ sovereignty” is baseless. The Greek Cypriot administration has persistently invoked the idea of sovereignty as a means to exclude Turkish Cypriots from any discussion of shared resources. This agreement, involving neither Cyprus nor the Greek Cypriot leadership, does not encroach upon their jurisdiction. As Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan aptly noted earlier this year, “The Greek Cypriots’ monopoly over the island’s natural resources is a violation of Turkish Cypriots’ fundamental rights.”

The Double Standards of Athens and Nicosia

Greek and Greek Cypriot leaders often decry Türkiye’s maritime agreements while ignoring their own questionable practices. Greece’s expansionist maritime claims, often extending well beyond its mainland, disregard the rights of neighboring nations, particularly Türkiye. The recent Türkiye-Syria negotiations, by contrast, exemplify responsible statecraft, wherein two countries engage in dialogue to delineate boundaries equitably.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s comments that the agreement would be “illegal and unacceptable” fail to recognize the duplicity of his own policies. Greece has previously used maritime agreements with Egypt and Italy to cement its own interests while criticizing others for doing the same. This hypocrisy underscores the lack of credibility in Athens’ objections.

Türkiye’s Vision for Regional Cooperation

Türkiye’s maritime initiatives are not acts of aggression but steps toward fostering regional cooperation. The Eastern Mediterranean has long been marred by disputes over energy resources, with Greek Cypriots unilaterally exploiting these assets without consultation with Turkish Cypriots. This agreement with Syria sets a precedent for fair negotiation, promoting economic growth and energy security in the region.

It is worth noting that Türkiye’s energy diplomacy extends beyond Syria. The planned energy pipelines to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) exemplify Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Turkish Cypriots and ensuring their inclusion in the regional energy framework. President Ersin Tatar of the TRNC has consistently advocated for Turkish Cypriot rights, stating, “Our exclusion from energy agreements is unacceptable. The TRNC will continue to work with Türkiye to safeguard our interests.”

A Message to Athens and Nicosia

The Greek media’s portrayal of Türkiye’s actions as aggressive reflects a broader pattern of alarmism that seeks to undermine legitimate Turkish initiatives. Rather than focusing on obstructing Türkiye’s diplomacy, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration would do well to engage in constructive dialogue with their neighbors. This approach would not only ease tensions but also open pathways to resolving the longstanding disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean.

TCE Conclusion

The Türkiye-Syria maritime agreement is a landmark development that underscores Türkiye’s leadership in promoting stability and cooperation in the region. By establishing clear boundaries and fostering collaboration, the agreement challenges the entrenched narratives of Greek and Greek Cypriot leaders who have long sought to monopolize the Eastern Mediterranean’s resources.

As Türkiye continues to assert its rightful place in the region, it is imperative for the international community to recognize the baseless nature of Greek and Greek Cypriot objections. Türkiye’s actions are not only legal and equitable but also a model for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

References:

- “Turkey tries to seize Cyprus’ EEZ in exchange for the divided Syria – Athens and Nicosia on alert.” Proto Thema, December 25, 2024.

- “Turkey aiming for maritime agreement with Syria, transport minister says.” Reuters, December 24, 2024.

- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

- Statements from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and TRNC President Ersin Tatar, verified through official press releases, December 2024.