Operation Black Sea Harmony
Encyclopedia
Black Sea
Harmony is a naval operation initiated by Turkey
in March 2004 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1373, 1540 and 1566 aimed at deterring terrorism and asymmetric threats worldwide. It is similar to the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour
in the Mediterranean, and also aims at ensuring the security of the Turkish Straits
, namely the Istanbul and the Canakkale.
Although it is a national operation at this stage, Black Sea Harmony is expected to become a multinational one with the participation of other Black Sea littoral States. Turkey has extended invitations to each littoral state to join Black Sea Harmony.
The operation is currently being conducted in Turkey's territorial waters in the Black Sea. In order to deter possible risks and threats in the maritime area, the Turkish Navy conducts periodic surveillance and reconnaissance operations in these waters. Statistics concerning suspect ships are collected and shared with NATO and other littoral nations. In case of hailing of a suspect ship, voluntary boarding (depending on the captain's will) is conducted.
Permanent headquarters of Operation Black Sea Harmony is located in Eregli, on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Once the Operation becomes multinational, other littoral States will be able to send Liaison Officers to Eregli.
December 27, 2006 - Russia officially joins Black Sea Harmony initiative to address new security challenges in region.
A Protocol on information exchange regarding Ukraine's participation was signed in Ankara on 17 January 2007.
Black Sea
The Black Sea is bounded by Europe, Anatolia and the Caucasus and is ultimately connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas and various straits. The Bosphorus strait connects it to the Sea of Marmara, and the strait of the Dardanelles connects that sea to the Aegean...
Harmony is a naval operation initiated by Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
in March 2004 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1373, 1540 and 1566 aimed at deterring terrorism and asymmetric threats worldwide. It is similar to the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour
Operation Active Endeavour
Operation Active Endeavour is a maritime operation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It operates in the Mediterranean Sea and is designed to prevent the movement of terrorists or weapons of mass destruction. It has also collateral benefits in enhanced security of shipping in general...
in the Mediterranean, and also aims at ensuring the security of the Turkish Straits
Turkish Straits
The term Turkish Straits refers to the two narrow straits in northwestern Turkey, the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, that connect the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea on one side and the Aegean arm of the Mediterranean Sea on the other. They are conventionally considered the boundary between the...
, namely the Istanbul and the Canakkale.
Although it is a national operation at this stage, Black Sea Harmony is expected to become a multinational one with the participation of other Black Sea littoral States. Turkey has extended invitations to each littoral state to join Black Sea Harmony.
The operation is currently being conducted in Turkey's territorial waters in the Black Sea. In order to deter possible risks and threats in the maritime area, the Turkish Navy conducts periodic surveillance and reconnaissance operations in these waters. Statistics concerning suspect ships are collected and shared with NATO and other littoral nations. In case of hailing of a suspect ship, voluntary boarding (depending on the captain's will) is conducted.
Permanent headquarters of Operation Black Sea Harmony is located in Eregli, on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Once the Operation becomes multinational, other littoral States will be able to send Liaison Officers to Eregli.
December 27, 2006 - Russia officially joins Black Sea Harmony initiative to address new security challenges in region.
A Protocol on information exchange regarding Ukraine's participation was signed in Ankara on 17 January 2007.