Maps, maritime zones and islands

Ankara's recent publication of a map that appears to split the Aegean Sea in two was yet another sign of Turkish aggressiveness. Like previous naval maneuvers, fighter jet overflights and verbal threats, the map is seen as an unacceptable and deplorable action of the sort that undermines any prospects for dialogue between the two sides.

Greek complaints that there can be no dialogue under threat have mostly been met with understanding from the international community. The European Union, the United States and the NATO alliance have spoken of "calculated provocations" and "regrettable actions," while noting that any disputes must be resolved peacefully on the basis of dialogue and the provisions of international law.

That said, what the agenda of the negotiations supported by the international community will be is something that needs to be made clear. Apart from the...

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