The Libyan House of Representatives is set to proceed with the ratification of the controversial Turkey-Libya memorandum on the delimitation of maritime zones, despite strong opposition from Greece and other Mediterranean countries.
According to reports, the agreement, which was signed in 2019 between Turkey and Libya, is likely to be officially approved in the upcoming parliamentary session this week.
Athens has firmly rejected the memorandum, which it views as a violation of international law and an infringement on Greece’s sovereign rights in the Mediterranean. The Greek government insists that the agreement undermines the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Greece, along with 168 other nations, has signed. Greek diplomatic sources have expressed their concerns, stating that practices such as the non-signature of UNCLOS, the alteration of centuries-old global heritage sites, and threats of military action in the face of Greece exercising its legal rights under international law, cannot be used as a basis for legal claims.
In response to these concerns, the government of Libya, led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad, has defended the memorandum, claiming that it is in full compliance with international law. The Libyan government also reserved the right to take strong action against any violations of its sovereignty.
The issue has escalated into a major geopolitical matter, drawing attention not only in the Mediterranean but also within the European Union. The European Council has expressed its support for Greece’s position, stating in its conclusions that the Turkey-Libya memorandum violates the sovereign rights of third countries, does not align with the Law of the Sea, and cannot have legal consequences for other nations.
In the backdrop of these developments, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue at the recent European Council meeting, securing European backing for Greece’s stance on the matter. The European Union’s solidarity with Greece is seen as crucial as tensions over maritime zones and energy resource exploration in the Mediterranean continue to rise.
For Greece, this issue is not just about regional sovereignty but also about its strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially with regard to energy exploration rights. Athens remains resolute in its position, maintaining its commitment to defending its national interests with the support of the European Union.
