9772 - Proclaiming EEZ is a priority

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Evi Charitidou

At a time when are under economic pressure and receive economic attacks, statements and counter statements only are not the case, but actions are. Some try to interpret foreign officials’ words in order to defend their own position. Thankfully there are politicians reading these words well and giving correct answers. Otherwise, the Greek people would not have known what to say either. Proclaiming EEZ is a priority for Greece and now we all know it. For, Cyprus has already suggested two projects to the European Union: Eurasia Interconnector and the pipeline. Both of them will pass through and operate in Cyprus and Greece EEZs. Consequently, we should launch the proclamation of our EEZ. In addition, what is important is giving access to companies possessing expertise on seismic data; this also has to be immediately activated by the Greek EEZ proclamation. As regards phobias for Turkey and courts, the framework is clear: Turkey has not signed UNCLOS and has not, of course, voted any ratifying law. Moreover, whenever there is a dispute, both states should agree on this matter in order to address the court. EEZ proclamation issue has absolutely nothing to do with this. EEZ proclamation always takes place unilaterally and no other procedure is provided. Promoting Greek EEZ proclamation by both Government and opposition parties takes place on this basis only and not on any other. Now we should not enter politicking controversies on the EEZ proclamation issue. Now we have all required standards; we possess know-how; we have models at our disposal; there is political will; now we can mightily and dynamically move on and rightfully acquire our own infinite blue. Cyprus is still under Turkish occupation and yet she has proclaimed EEZ and has reached three agreements with Egypt, Lebanon and Israel. The time has come for S. Kassini’s work vindication, for materializing Th. Karyotis’s and B. Markezinis’s vision and for starting drilling so eagerly anticipated by A. Foskolos and E. Konofagos. This Parliament must take a historic decision and realize that it would be called the EEZ Parliament in the future. The Greek people can no longer wait for the time of proclamation; they can not merely endure pressure without saying anything. They are resistant, but they want future for their children as well. Proclaiming the Greek EEZ is the first step towards the essential change for our country. This is what we need and this is what is due to do.