Eastern Libyan parliament approves maritime deal with Turkey, prompting Greek and EU objections
publishers 31articles 53first reported 20 Oct, 13:00 UTCdeveloping since 20 Oct · 13 editions
Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives unanimously approved a disputed maritime agreement with Turkey on Tuesday, reversing its previous opposition to the 2019 deal negotiated by Libya’s western government in Tripoli.
The agreement delineates maritime jurisdiction between Turkey and Libya in the Mediterranean. Greece, Egypt and Cyprus have opposed it, arguing that it overlaps with their maritime claims and disregards the rights of Greek islands. Libya remains divided between rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi; the eastern parliament is aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry said the vote did not alter the agreement’s “illegal, null and void” status. It argued that Turkey and Libya lack opposite or adjacent coastlines that would provide a legal basis for the delimitation and called on Libya to avoid actions that breach international law or undermine regional stability. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis subsequently spoke with his Egyptian and Cypriot counterparts.
The European Union also rejected the agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it infringed the sovereign rights of third countries and did not comply with the Law of the Sea.
Turkey welcomed the ratification, saying the accord respected both countries’ rights and interests under international law and principles of equity. Ankara said it would continue working with regional partners toward security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 2 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 18 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 31
- Source articles
- 53
- Given to the writer
- 8, 2 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 18 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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- passed
- Human review
- none
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