As Greece and Turkey gear up for crucial talks on November 7, there is a looming disagreement over the scope of discussions. While Athens maintains that only the delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone are open for negotiation, Ankara is pushing for broader talks that encompass sovereignty, territorial waters, airspace, demilitarization of islands, and control of geographical formations. Turkey asserts that these issues need resolution for long-term peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive settlement according to international law.
Despite Greece’s firm stance on restricting discussions to maritime zones, Turkey is intensifying its diplomatic efforts and positioning itself as open to negotiations. However, Greek officials view Turkey’s insistence on broader matters as an attempt to secure concessions on non-negotiable issues like sovereignty and airspace, potentially leading to heightened tensions. With both sides holding their ground, the risk of escalation remains high, making the upcoming talks a pivotal moment for resolving longstanding disputes.