Ban on Turkish ferries to carry tourists to Greek islands

Turkish tourism agency said the ban on Turkish ferries was contrary to basic human rights and freedom of travel. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Yesil Marmaris Tourism, Tayyar Tugay said the freedom of travel of the tourists that would come to Turkey via Turkish ferries operating in the international waters has been limited. "This is breach of basic human rights and freedom of travel" stated Tugay. The captains of Turkish ferries were taken into custody last week on account to the fact that the return of a tourist, who came to Turkey from any Greek island with a Turkish ferry, via another Turkish ferry in 48 hours was forbidden. Lastly, Rhodes Tourism Administration sent official writing to the European tour operators at the island asking them to not to work with Turkish ferries. Sharing this document with press members, Tugay said Greece was obstructing Turkish ferries carrying tourists to Greek islands with an arbitrary practice. He said the crisis started last week reached to an oppressive level and Greece had been sending Turkish ferries away in a way as if firing them. Reminding thatGreek ferries operate only once a week between Rhodes and Marmaris but Turkishferries operate seven days a week, Tugay claimed that Greece tries to obstruct tourist flow to Turkey. He said the practice was against international maritime law. Tugay said Greece also started asking visa at the entrance to islands.