Former NATO commander says Turkey must allow ‘defensive’ war vessels in Black Sea

(MENAFN) Amidst growing diplomatic tensions, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis is calling on Turkey to reconsider its decision to prevent the passage of United Kingdom warships through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea. The Turkish government invoked the 1936 Montreux Convention, restricting access to foreign warships in the straits, and argued that the United Kingdom's minesweeping vessels intended for Ukraine cannot pass through.

Stavridis contends that there is ample discretion within the Montreux Convention to permit the entry of British warships into the Black Sea. He suggests that Turkey should have utilized a loophole in the convention, emphasizing that the vessels in question are purely defensive. The retired United States admiral asserts that this position aligns with the clear stance of NATO, urging Turkey to fully embrace its role as a member of the military alliance instead of attempting to strike a balance between Moscow and the West.

The Turkish government, a NATO member, implemented restrictions on access to the Black Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles nearly two years ago as Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine. While this decision prevented Western powers from sending warships to Ukraine, it also restricted Russia from reinforcing its Black Sea Fleet based in the Crimean port of Sevastopol.

Former Turkish naval chief, Admiral Cem Gurdeniz, emphasized that Turkey has consistently adhered to the Montreux Convention, even during the bloodiest period of World War II. As the situation unfolds, the call for Turkey to reconsider its stance and allow the passage of United Kingdom warships becomes a focal point in navigating the intricate diplomatic landscape between NATO members and the evolving dynamics in the Black Sea region.
 

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