The British government received an open letter from 25 British personalities which first appeared in The Times. Prominent academics, writers, artists penned a letter of support to Greece to emphasise that Turkey’s refusal to accept the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a deliberate attempt to deprive islands of their rights. The letter urges NATO member states to take a stand and condemn Turkey’s action:
The full letter is as follows:
We too are deeply concerned by President Erdogan’s escalation of rhetoric and threat in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean (Erdogan’s Provocations, leading article, Aug 15). Positive developments in energy are an opportunity to build more productive and stable regional relationships, but require all parties to abide by international law. Other regional governments have shown their willingness to negotiate within the framework set by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Turkish government’s refusal to accept the convention is a stumbling block – a deliberate attempt by Ankara to deprive island states and states with island interests of their rights under customary international law. Mr Erdogan’s policy is fomenting regional tension. European governments, including Britain’s, must give a clear message of support to states such as Greece and Cyprus that are upholding multilateral rules.
READ MORE: Border dispute: Turkey tests Greece’s waters in the eastern Mediterranean despite warnings
Turkey’s NATO allies need to be unequivocal that Ankara’s provocations are not acceptable. A policy of equidistance between Turkey and Greece in this matter is inappropriate. The only feasible way to reduce tension and bring about stability is through respect for UNCLOS and processes of international law.
Kevin Featherstone, Professor of Contemporary Greek Studies, London School of Economics | John Kittmer, former British Ambassador to Greece | Alberto Costa MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Greece | Denis MacShane, former Europe Minister | Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesman | Roderick Beaton, Emeritus Koraes Professor, King’s College London | Dame Averil Cameron | Paul Cartledge, Professor of Greek Culture Emeritus, University of Cambridge | Professor Richard Clogg | Louis de Bernières, author | Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History, University of Oxford | Stephen Fry | Timothy Garton Ash, Professor of European Studies, University of Oxford | Charles Grant, Director, Centre for European Reform | David Harsent, author, Fellow of the Hellenic Authors Society | Judith Herrin, Professor Emerita, King’s College London | Victoria Hislop, author, Honorary Citizen of Greece | David Holton, Emeritus Professor of Modern Greek, University of Cambridge | Will Hutton, Principal, Hertford College Oxford | Michael G. Jacobides, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, London Business School | Peter Mackridge, Emeritus Professor of Modern Greek, University of Oxford | Sean O’Brien, Professor of Creative Writing, Newcastle University | Ruth Padel, Professor of Poetry, King’s College London | Gonda Van Steen, Koraes Professor, King’s College London | Sofka Zinovieff, author
