Libya’s eastern parliament has approved a 2019 maritime agreement with Turkey, prompting strong criticism from the European Union and Greece.
The deal, which concerns maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean, was originally signed by Turkey and Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tripoli. Greece, Cyprus and Egypt oppose it, arguing that it infringes on their maritime claims.
In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said they “deeply regret the ratification” and reiterated the EU’s position that the agreement “infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states” and “does not comply with the Law of the Sea”. They described it as “null and void” and reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Greece and Cyprus.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry said the parliamentary vote did not change the agreement’s status.
“Geography and the international law of the sea cannot be changed by unilateral, legally unfounded parliamentary decisions,” it said, calling on Libya to avoid actions that could undermine regional stability.
Turkey welcomed the vote, saying the agreement respected the rights and interests of both countries under international law.
“Turkey will continue its determination to work together with all partners to ensure security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean basin,” its Foreign Ministry said.
The eastern parliament’s unanimous vote also reversed its 2020 decision to cut political ties with Ankara. Libya remains divided between rival eastern and western administrations, and Turkey’s relations with eastern authorities have improved in recent years.
Source: Reuters
