«No oil pooling in the Aegean with Turkey»

PM Giorgos Papandreou restated that there is no issue of pooling energy sources in the Aegean with Turkey, in a relevant question by the president of LA.O.S. as to whether secret talks on this matter are under way.  

Papandreou stressed that there can’t be such a discussion with Turkey, since firstly, there is the threat of «casus belli», secondly because our sovereign rights are disputed with the continuous violations, thirdly because Turkey has not recognized International Maritime Law and lastly, because the issue of the delimitation of the continental shelf according to the Hague tribunal still remains unresolved.

He also noted that these rumors come from the Turkish side for communication purposes.

Nevertheless, the PM said that with Greece's initiative there will be a request for a debate in the European Union for Turkey's accession course, if the neighboring country meets its obligations.

The president of LA.O.S., Giorgos Karatzaferis, described as contradictory the fact that Greece is the top advocate of a country which threatens with war, if the rights arising from International Law are exercised.  

Regarding any oil deposits in the Aegean, Papandreou said that our country is interested in the delineation of maritime zones with all neighboring countries, and will update the old law on the use of these resources.