It is well known that Greece has long been exploiting EU’s environmental programmes, primarily “Natura 2000” with respect to the Aegean issues. Our Ministry released astatement regarding this matter on 31 March 2018. Turkey’s position on this issue was also explained last week to the representative of the EU Delegation.

However, this time, Greek President Pavlopoulos has made astatement establishing a strained relationship between “Natura 2000” network and borders and territory. These statements do not bear any legal effect. Moreover, such statements are of a confessional character demonstrating that Greece simply abuses EU’s environmental programmes such as “Natura 2000” according to its political expediency.

Turkey, as has been the case until today, as well as hereinafter, will not accept any possible fait accompli to be presented by Greece towards the geographical formations in the Aegean Sea, legal status of which are disputed.

We renew our warning to the EU not to become a tool of Greece’s political exploitations.