In recent months the two states have indulged in a war of words in light of an international convention on sea rights that will allow Greece to extend its territorial waters from six to 12 nautical miles. Turkey is not a signatory of the convention that goes into force on Wednesday and has said any extension from the existing six-mile limit would be a cause of war between Greece and Turkey, both NATO member countries. Mr. Arsenis ruled out talks with his Turkish counterpart on the sidelines of the WEU meeting beginning today. Mr. Papoulias, however, will meet his Turkish counterpart Mumtaz Soysal on the sidelines of the meeting. In this context, every country shapes its practice.
Greek practice is clear and steadfast.
Mr. Venizelos reiterated that this international convention codifies long-standing international law within which Greece has moved and continues to move. Greece cannot fall victim to artificial tensions or shape its policy in the framework of such minor artificial tension. Asked by the ANA whether Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou will reply in this spirit to a recent letter by US President Bill Clinton, Mr. Venizelos said Mr. Clinton's missive was a friendly letter manifesting the interest of the US in stability and security in the region with special emphasis on Greco-Turkish relations. The Greek government does not conduct secret diplomacy. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos further said that the presence of the US cruiser Cape Saint George in the Aegean was not linked to any special issue.