British academics, politicians urge gov’t to support Greece, Cyprus against Turkey

Over two dozen U.K.-based academics, authors and politicians on Monday called on the British government to express “clear support” to Greece and Cyprus over the dispute with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey’s refusal to accept the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was the motivation behind the letter, Greek daily Kathimerini reported.

The 25 signatories advised against NATO’s equidistance policy, calling on the alliance for a direct condemnation of Turkey’s hydrocarbon exploration efforts in the region.

Last week, Turkey dispatched the seismic survey vessel Oruş Reis to an area of the Eastern Mediterranean claimed both Athens and Ankara, saying it will operate there until the end of the month. The move that has enraged Greece and prompted the EU to call on Turkey for an immediate halt to actitivities in the region.

“Positive developments in energy are an opportunity to build more productive and stable regional relationships, but require all parties to abide by international law,” the letter said.

Turkey refusing to accept the UNCLOS “is a stumbling block – a deliberate attempt by Ankara,” it said, to deprive parties with interests in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas of their rights.

“A policy of equidistance between Turkey and Greece in this matter is inappropriate,” it noted. “The only feasible way to reduce tension and bring about stability is through respect for UNCLOS and processes of international law.”

Signatories of the letter are as follows:

Kevin Featherstone, Professor of Contemporary Greek Studies, London School of Economics

John Kittmer, former British Ambassador to Greece

Alberto Costa MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Greece

Denis MacShane, former Europe Minister

Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesman

Roderick Beaton, Emeritus Koraes Professor, King’s College London

Dame Averil Cameron

Paul Cartledge, Professor of Greek Culture Emeritus, University of Cambridge

Professor Richard Clogg

Louis de Bernières, author

Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History, University of Oxford

Stephen Fry

Timothy Garton Ash, Professor of European Studies, University of Oxford

Charles Grant, Director, Centre for European Reform

David Harsent, author, Fellow of the Hellenic Authors Society

Judith Herrin, Professor Emerita, King’s College London

Victoria Hislop, author, Honorary Citizen of Greece

David Holton, Emeritus Professor of Modern Greek, University of Cambridge

Will Hutton, Principal, Hertford College Oxford

Michael G. Jacobides, Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, London Business School

Peter Mackridge, Emeritus Professor of Modern Greek, University of Oxford

Sean O’Brien, Professor of Creative Writing, Newcastle University

Ruth Padel, Professor of Poetry, King’s College London

Gonda Van Steen, Koraes Professor, King’s College London

Sofka Zinovieff, author