Turkey Drafts Law to Declare EEZ, Escalating Cyprus Dispute
Turkey is preparing new legislation that would authorize President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to declare an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles from the Anatolian coast. This move directly impacts ongoing maritime disputes with Cyprus and Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean. The draft bill, developed by the ruling AKP party, aims to strengthen Ankara's legal standing regarding fishing, drilling, and mining rights in contested waters. While the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea allows for such zones, Turkey has not ratified the convention and rejects Greek claims that islands generate full EEZs. Ankara argues that Cyprus's maritime rights are limited to 12 nautical miles. This legislative effort comes amidst heightened tensions, with the EU threatening sanctions over Turkish drilling activities and the US urging dialogue. Additionally, reports indicate Turkey is developing a naval variant of the TAI Hurjet aircraft to enhance its maritime operational capabilities. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical struggle for energy resources and maritime sovereignty in the Levant region.
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