Diplomatic exchange at UN regarding terminology of the straits

During a UN Security Council meeting on maritime security hosted by Bahrain, a dispute arose between Greece and Turkey concerning the formal designation of the Bosporus and Dardanelles. Turkish Permanent Representative Ahmet Yildiz referred to the waterways as the 'Turkish Straits,' emphasizing Turkey's role in ensuring safe navigation under the 1936 Montreux Convention. In response, Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece Ioannis Stamatekos argued that the term 'Turkish Straits' is inconsistent with the legal text of the 1936 Convention. Mr. Stamatekos stated that the Convention officially defines the area as 'the Straits,' specifically naming the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus. The Greek representative asserted that strict adherence to the treaty's terminology is necessary to preserve the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law. Greece also submitted a formal letter to the United Nations to document this position. Turkey maintains its stance on its sovereign management of the maritime routes as the regulator of the transit regime.