Bakoyannis Called for Turkey to Withdraw War Threats
The Greek official emphasized that abandoning threats of force is a prerequisite for diplomatic dialogue.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Remote Work
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Dora Bakoyannis stated that Turkey must drop its longstanding casus belli regarding Greek territorial waters to foster meaningful negotiations. She spoke at an international oceans law conference in Athens to address lingering bilateral maritime disputes.
Why it matters
Bakoyannis argued that persistent threats of military force undermine efforts to resolve maritime border disagreements between Greece and Turkey. Addressing these tensions is critical for regional stability in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
The 49th annual conference hosted 60 experts from 25 countries to discuss maritime law. The discourse centers on Greece's adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which contrasts with Turkey's current stance on its six-nautical-mile territorial limits.
The players
Dora Bakoyannis
She is a prominent Greek politician and former government official who addressed the international maritime conference.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
This institution served as the host site for the 49th annual conference on Oceans Law & Policy.
The details
During her address, Bakoyannis noted that Greece maintains that delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone should be the only issues subject to international adjudication. Tensions remain high due to Turkey's 2019 maritime memorandum with Libya and its selective application of international maritime conventions.
Timeline
The maritime memorandum between Turkey and Libya was signed in 2019.
Dora Bakoyannis addressed the conference on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The diplomatic friction follows a pattern set by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which serves as the primary standard for international maritime boundary definitions. This dispute marks a departure from regional stability as nations contest shelf delimitations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ongoing maritime disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean can impact regional energy exploration projects and shipping lane security. These geopolitical tensions may affect international investment climates and logistical operations for businesses operating in the Aegean region.
The takeaway
Diplomatic progress requires a fundamental shift away from the use of military threats to settle maritime boundary definitions. Establishing a consistent legal framework remains the most effective path toward resolving long-standing regional disagreements.
Further reading
Explore deeper insights on international diplomatic relations in the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tovima.
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