Athens to ratify Rafales, sea zones deal before Jan 20
In view of the imminent resumption of exploratory contacts with Turkey, the government is reportedly seeking to ratify the all-important bills for the purchase of 18 French Rafale-type jets and the extension of its maritime zones in the Ionian Sea before January 20 when Joe Biden is sworn in as US president.
The bill for the extension of Greece's coastal zone from 6 to 12 nautical miles from the island of Corfu to Cape Tainaro in the Peloponnese was tabled Friday and a plenary vote is expected on January 19.
The bill stipulates that Greece reserves the right under International law to also extend its coastal zone to 12 nautical miles in the rest of the country.
The bill on the fighter jets will be introduced on Tuesday, aiming for ratification on Thursday.
French Defense Minister Florence Parley will most likely visit Athens at the end of the month to sign the purchase contract.
