Abstract:

The paper analyzes the respective positions of the littoral states including Turkey with regard to the delimitation of maritime zones taking the significance of Cyprus and the value of Eastern Mediterranean in historical, strategic and economic aspects into consideration. In the light of this analysis, the paper then gives a number of legal and technical recommendations in order for Turkey to effectively advocate and safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. The basic tenet of these recommendations is that Turkey can make treaties on delimitation of maritime zones not just with Egypt, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Syria but also with Libya, Israel, and Lebanon with which it shares coasts facing one another. Through such treaties Turkey will be able to assert a new map of maritime areas in Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with its own rights and interests enshrined in international law.

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