La Mer Territoriale Grecque

Abstract

This article focuses on the Greco-Turkish dispute concerning the territorial waters in the Aegean. After an overview of the present situation of the Greek territorial waters, the perspective of its extension to 12 miles is also considered. This analysis draws upon international law and refutes Turkish argumentation according to which Greece does not have the right to extend its territorial waters to 12 miles.

This study demonstrates that Turkish political, strategic and legal arguments are ill founded and that the extension of Greek territorial waters will not create a prejudice for Turkey and will not jeopardize liberty of navigation in the Aegean.

Lastly, this article suggests another possible way to proceed more moderately; i.e., the extension of Greek territorial waters to ten miles. This solution would appease Turkey, leave supplementary portions of high sea and enable Greece to harmonize the width of its air space with the extent of its territorial waters.