Top critical statement from Russia about Canal Istanbul and Montreux Convention

Yerhov, Russia’s Ambassador to Ankara, said about the Montreux Convention discussions, “There is no question of changing it. The agreement is important and a touchstone for ensuring regional security in the Black Sea.”

Yerhov who gave an interview to Rossiya 24 TV said, “This is first and foremost a matter of the Turkish government. Here we are talking about an economic project that will be carried out on the territory of Turkey and with the capabilities of Turkey. However, we have a comprehensive system of political consultations on issues such as the problem of maritime traffic in the Black Sea, primarily among our foreign ministries, and this issue is regularly consulted between our ministries.”

Yerhov noted that the obligations under the Montreux Straits convention would not disappear with the Canal Istanbul project, but there would be new requirements (and financial ones as well) for ships that would pass through this new canal.

He went on to say, “Of course, there is a relationship, a mutual relationship, a mutual connection between the Istanbul Canal and the Montreux contract, although not direct. If the canal is built in Istanbul, this will not eliminate the obligations of the Montreux Convention and in no way will it change the restrictions on the total tonnage of non-coastal warships in the Black Sea and many other considerations contained in the contract, which it introduces regarding obligations to pass through the Bosphorus. New financial requirements and conditions will be imposed on ships that will pass through the new routes.”

A TOUCHSTONE IN TERMS OF ENSURING REGIONAL SECURITY

Yerhov said the Russian side expects that Turkey’s plans for Canal Istanbul, connecting the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, will not lead to the revision of the Montreux Convention.

“Changing the Montreux Convention is out of the question. This is a document that is in force and will remain in force according to what appears to be. This is an important and touchstone for ensuring regional security in the Black Sea. That’s how Russia sees this contract,” Yerhov added.