OMM Newsroom
Turkey welcomed the Libyan parliament’s approval of the disputed maritime agreement, while the European Union strongly objected, saying the deal violates international maritime law.
Libya’s eastern-based parliament unanimously ratified the 2019 agreement on Tuesday, AnewZ reported. The decision marks a significant shift in the country’s politically divided landscape, reversing the parliament’s previous rejection of the deal.
The agreement, signed between Turkey and the Libyan government in Tripoli, defines maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean and is significant for offshore energy exploration.
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, saying the agreement complies with international law and protects the maritime interests of both countries.
The European Union strongly objected to the decision. European Council President Antonio Costa called the agreement “invalid and without legal force,” saying it infringes on the sovereign rights of third countries and violates the law of the sea.
Greece and Egypt also oppose the agreement. They argue that it does not take into account the maritime zones around Greek islands, particularly Crete.
Political divisions over the agreement
The dispute began in 2019, when Turkey signed the agreement during Libya’s civil war. At the time, forces loyal to eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar were fighting the Tripoli government, which had Turkish military support.
Libya’s eastern-based parliament rejected the agreement in 2020, underscoring the country’s deep political divisions.
Tuesday’s vote followed years of diplomatic efforts by Ankara to strengthen ties with eastern Libya, including with Haftar’s political allies, while maintaining relations with Tripoli.
Energy interests and maritime boundaries
The eastern Mediterranean’s large natural gas reserves give the agreement considerable economic and strategic importance. Competing claims over maritime boundaries have complicated energy exploration and regional cooperation.
Turkey says maritime boundaries should be based on equitable geographical principles. Greece maintains that its Aegean islands are entitled to maritime zones under international law.
While the parliamentary vote strengthens Ankara’s diplomatic position, it does not resolve competing maritime claims or mean the agreement has been recognized internationally.
