\n<\/p>\n
Turkey has voiced strong objections to Greece\u2019s planned resumption of underwater surveys near the islands of Kasos and Karpathos for the the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project, known as the \u201cGreat Sea Interconnector.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turkish media in recent days described the move as \u201cprovocative,\u201d particularly following a recent NATO meeting between Greek and Turkish foreign ministers.<\/p>\n
The Turkish daily Cumhuriyet reported an imminent Greek NAVTEX (maritime advisory) for the area, citing plans for undersea cable work linking Greece, Cyprus and Israel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project begins following the Greek minister\u2019s meeting with Hakan Fidan,\u201d the paper noted.<\/p>\n
The Turkish outlet Turkiye quoted diplomatic sources labeling the Greek activities as violations of international law and maritime boundaries, which Ankara insists remain undefined in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n
In Athens, however, decisions have been made.<\/p>\n
Greek officials maintain the project proceeds within legal bounds and reflects Greece\u2019s sovereign right to conduct infrastructure work in international waters.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Greek and Cypriot energy regulators jointly approved \u20ac72 million in payments to Nexans, the French contractor overseeing the cable work. The payment includes a \u20ac36 million installment frozen since February and outstanding ship chartering costs.<\/p>\n
Funding will be recovered through consumer charges split between Greece (37%) and Cyprus (63%).<\/p>\n
Despite Turkish objections, Athens sees limited room for retreat, citing broader European Union support for the scheme and regional alliances.<\/p>\n
Officials believe that current international conditions \u2013 including alliances Athens has built within the EU and the region, and Turkey\u2019s vulnerability on multiple fronts \u2013 create a climate that allows Greece, if not to resolve the interconnection dispute, at least to clearly communicate its position on the lawful activity of sovereign states in international waters.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n