Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during a high-level discussion at Greece's presidency of the United Nations Security Council on maritime security, called for a global maritime ceasefire. This request came after the sinking of a Greek cargo ship due to a drone attack off the coast of Bulgaria. This incident is considered the latest in a series of attacks on ships in the western Black Sea this month.
The Necessity of Security in Maritime Navigation
Mitsotakis emphasized in his remarks that commercial ships must be able to navigate safely and freely even in times of crisis. He stated: "Targeting civilian commercial ships is completely unacceptable, and this is yet another reminder of the urgent need for a global maritime ceasefire." The Greek Prime Minister also added that disruptions to freedom of navigation increase transportation and insurance costs, ultimately raising expenses for consumers.
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Position Against Turkey-Libya Maritime Agreement
Mitsotakis further referred to the maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya, which has faced negative reactions from Greece, Cyprus, and three Arab countries. He acknowledged that no bilateral agreement can override international maritime law, which provides a framework for cooperation and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes. The Greek Prime Minister stated: "We cannot allow our seas to become a jungle." These remarks reflect Greece's deep concerns about recent developments in maritime security and their implications for regional stability.
Recent developments in the Black Sea and attacks on ships indicate rising tensions in the region. Greece, as one of the coastal countries of this sea, has consistently emphasized the necessity of maintaining maritime security and respecting international laws. By calling for a global maritime ceasefire, Mitsotakis aims to draw global attention to the need for cooperation and de-escalation in this area.
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