BERN AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE
(11 November 1976)

1 . The two parties agree that the negotiations shall be frank, thoroughgoing and pursued in
good faith, with a view to reaching an agreement based on their mutual consent with
regard to the delimitation of the continental shelf as between themselves.

2. The two parties agree that these negotiations shall by their very nature be strictly confidential.

3 . The two parties reserve their respective positions with regard to the delimitation of the
continental shelf.

4. The two parties undertake not in any circumstances to make use of the provisions of this document, or such proposals as may be made by either side during these negotiations,
outside the context of the negotiations themselves.

5 . The two parties agree that there shall be no statements or leaks to the press on the
contents of the negotiations, unless they decide otherwise by common accord.

6. The two parties undertake to refrain from any initiative or act concerning the Aegean continental shelf that might trouble the negotiations.

7. The two parties each undertake, so far as their bilateral relations are concerned, to refrain from any initiative or act likely to throw discredit on the other.

8. The two parties have agreed to study the practice of States and the international rules on the subject, with a view to eliciting such principles and practical criteria as might be of
use in the case of the delimitation of the continental shelf between the two countries.

9. To that end, a mixed commission will be set up to be composed of national representatives.

10. The two parties agree to adopt a gradual rhythm in the negotiating process to be followed, after mutual consultation.

Done in Berne, in two copies, in the French language, 11 November 1976.

Jean TZOIJNIS,                               Ali Suat BILGE,
Head ofthe Hellenic delegation              Head ofthe Turkish delegation