Turkey has adopted an increasingly confrontational approach toward Greek-Turkish issues in recent days, signaling a hard line on the planned Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection (GSI) as well.
Since August 16, Turkish authorities have objected to a series of Greek initiatives, including the designation of marine parks around Kastellorizo and a new spatial planning framework for industry and logistics announced by the Greek government.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Monday that, based on the contractor’s schedule, surveys and cable-laying operations for the project are expected to resume “in the coming months,” adding that work would likely begin before year’s end.
The timetable differs from earlier government statements that had pointed to a September start. Gerapetritis reiterated that, under international law, Turkey’s permission is neither required nor will it be requested. He said communication foreseen under international law is intended primarily to protect maritime traffic and prevent accidents.
He added that this is also the purpose of issuing a Navtex notice through the state with maritime jurisdiction.
