Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) about the Montreux Convention and Kanal Istanbul, which came to the agenda again with the Russia-Ukraine war information note published. Canal Istanbul insistence; It was emphasized that there is a risk of dragging Turkey into diplomatic isolation in an area of critical importance for national security, such as the Turkish Straits.
Istanbul Planning Agency affiliated to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) on "Canal Istanbul and Its Risks in Terms of Turkey's National Security" information note published.
In the information note, it was pointed out that the war that broke out between Russia and Ukraine revealed how important the Montreux Straits Convention is for Turkey's security, since both states have coasts to the Black Sea.
Kanal Istanbul project; It has been described as an initiative that will bring political, legal and military risks to the agenda regarding the future of the Montreux Straits Convention, which determines the Bosphorus regime.
It was noted that due to the possibility of the project to affect the political balances in the Black Sea, it may affect the continuity of Turkey's political and legal gains, and cause a radical effect on the balance of power, instability and diplomatic tension.
“SPECIAL AUTHORITY IS OPEN TO DISCUSSION”
In the information note, “The ships of the countries with a coast on the Black Sea can currently pass freely through the Bosphorus, with the right recognized by the Montreux Convention. The directing of the ships to the channel instead of the strait and the special powers granted to Turkey by the convention will also be opened to discussion. Sanctions that will limit the passage of foreign ships through the straits will be needed in order for Canal Istanbul to become a revenue generating project for Turkey if completed. The implementation of these sanctions will pave the way for the states party to Montreux to obtain a critical majority to amend the convention.
“DIPLOMATIC RISK OF LONENESS”
In the information note, it was evaluated that "The insistence on Kanal Istanbul poses a risk of dragging Turkey into diplomatic isolation in an area of critical importance for our national security, such as the Turkish Straits."
the termination of Montreux; Expressing that it would mean the disappearance of Turkey's right to speak in the straits and the emergence of the transit transit regime, “The transit transit regime, which is also valid for the international straits, does not give any authority to the coastal states. In such a case, warships and submarines will have the right to pass through the strait, and Turkey will lose its authority to close the straits even in cases of war.
It was pointed out that the Kanal Istanbul project poses a serious handicap in terms of Turkey's security, as it poses significant risks that will end the Montreux Convention.
ORTAYLI: SUPPORT MAY BE FOR MILITARY PURPOSE
The evaluations of the experts were also included in the information note.
prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı stated that the Montreux Straits Convention is the best possible strait status for Turkey.
Ortaylı stated that for this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the issue of how Kanal Istanbul will affect this contract.
He said that it should be taken into account that the motivation of the USA to support Kanal Istanbul may stem from the aim of surrounding Russia and that the Americas and transoceanic nations should not be included in the project even if it is to be done.
prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı stated that the riparian states of the Black Sea, which passed through the straits with the Montreux Convention without paying a price, would not want to use the canal, that the Western alliance's support for the construction of the canal might have military purposes, but it is doubtful that this search can also bring a solution while the contract is still in effect.
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