Routledge The Aegean Maritime Disputes and International Law

This key work analyses the disputes between Greece and Turkey as to their respective rights in the Aegean Sea, paying particular attention to the claims regarding territorial waters, the continental shelf, and the yet to be declared exclusive maritime zones in the area. While many earlier studies have concentrated on political factors, this study provides an exhaustive analysis of the relevant principles of international law in general and rules and principles of maritime law in particular, identifying the legal principles appropriate to the settlement of the Aegean dispute. With this regard, it makes a detailed examination of all the related aspects of the Aegean Sea and its islands, as well as the legal arguments of Greece and Turkey on the disputes concerned. It also clarifies the prospects for settling the dispute on the basis of international law, either by the two parties involved, or by the intervention of a third party such as the International Court of Justice. As such, it offers an important study of a particular problem, but one that can be used as a case study for other international disagreements. Review ’The book by Yucel Acer contributes significantly to the understanding of the political and especially the legal aspects of the Aegean maritime disputes between Turkey and Greece. The book is simply a great achievement in examining the Aegean maritime disputes on the basis of equity developed through the international tribunals since 1951 for issues related to the delimitation of the territorial waters and since 1969 for the delimitation of the continental shelf areas. The author gives a complete account of all the related aspects of the juridical settlement of the Aegean maritime disputes such as the legal arguments of Turkey and Greece and the special circumstances of the Aegean Sea that effect their settlement. The book is especially recommended for those who would like to comprehend the Turkish views of the maritime disputes in the Aegean Sea in an undisputable objectivity.’ Professor Yuksel Inan, The Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey