Talks to end Turkish, Greek maritime dispute continue

Turkish transport minister says sailing row with Greece partly resolved

By Furkan Naci Top

ATHENS (AA) - A meeting between Turkish and Greek ministers on Thursday has headed off a Turkish ban on ferry voyages between the two countries.

"The trade between the two countries is important for tourism and economy," Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan told Anadolu Agency in Athens after meeting Greek Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis.

Regular sea voyages between Turkey and Greece will continue despite last month's disruption. Previously, Turkey said it would ban regular passenger ships from going to Greece from Oct. 12.

This followed the Greek authorities’ seizure of 11 Turkish yachts for alleged violations of maritime regulations.

However, Arslan added that a Turkish ban on commercial yachts, introduced on Sep. 25, shorter than 24 meters from going to Greece will remain.

A Greek delegation is expected to travel to Turkey next week for more disucssions.

Kaynak: