A 12-nm Greek Territorial Sea, Is Transit Passage Safe

Abstract

Abstract : The expansion of the Greek territorial sea to 12-nm will pose a threat to the freedom of navigation currently enjoyed in the Aegean Sea. An expanded Greek territorial sea will convert approximately 70% of the Aegean to Greek territorial seas. Under the regime established by the LOS Convention, Greece believes it has the authority to regulate the application of transit passage through the Aegean, including designation of the international straits through with the right of transit passage will apply. Other waters, in Greek eyes are territorial seas in which the more limited right of innocent passage would apply. This would end overflight and submerged passage throughout the Aegean. Such a declaration will not be accepted by the maritime nations of the world, especially Turkey. Greek enforcement of that declaration is likely to splinter NATO, bring Greece and Turkey into conflict, and cause the U.S. to bring our national power to bear to keep the navigational freedoms envisioned by the LOS Convention available.