Continuing its provocative actions challenging Greece’s areas of responsibility in the Aegean, Turkey, through a NAVTEX, is now occupying large areas, even in the center of the Aegean, for Search and Rescue (SAR) exercises.
With NAVTEX 0451/24, Turkish authorities designate three areas in the Aegean for SAR exercises to take place on May 15, 16, 22, and 23.
This NAVTEX by Turkey challenges Greece’s authority to issue NAVTEX even in the middle of the Aegean, while simultaneously disputing Greece’s Search and Rescue responsibility zone.
Turkey systematically challenges Greece’s exercise of authority delegated by international organizations, seeking to undermine Greek sovereign rights. Turkey’s longstanding goal is to expand its operational capabilities up to the middle of the Aegean, effectively encircling Greek islands within zones of Turkish jurisdiction.
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This move comes just days before the Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting in Ankara next Monday and while Turkey’s major naval exercise “Sea Wolf 2024” is underway in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean since yesterday.
