Greece Defends Marine Parks Amid Turkish Criticism

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis on Tuesday dismissed Türkiye’s objections to Greece’s new marine national parks, calling them unfounded and highlighting them as proof of a firm foreign policy, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonia

Speaking to OPEN TV, Hatzidakis said recent actions—such as hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete, maritime agreements with Italy and Egypt, and military upgrades—demonstrate a consistent strategy to strengthen Greece’s position.

He stressed that marine parks also serve as an environmental commitment, underscoring the duty to protect Greece’s seas.

Responding to Türkiye’s long-standing claims over "grey zones" in the Aegean, he reaffirmed that Greece is open to dialogue only on maritime zones and the continental shelf—not sovereignty.

Hatzidakis emphasized Greece’s alliances with countries like Israel, Egypt, and the UAE, adding: “We want peace, but we will not trade away our national rights or pride.”