Libya’s eastern-based parliament has unanimously approved a 2019 maritime boundaries agreement with Turkey, reversing its earlier rejection of the deal and a decision to sever political ties with Ankara.
The move has drawn condemnation from Greece, which maintains that the “agreement violates international law and infringes on the maritime rights of countries in the eastern Mediterranean.”
Turkey has welcomed the decision, saying the agreement respects the mutual rights and interests of both countries under international law.
The agreement was signed in November 2019 by Turkey and Libya’s then internationally recognised Government of National Accord, based in Tripoli.
The eastern-based House of Representatives had rejected ratification of the agreement in 2020 and voted to sever political relations with Ankara.
Greece, Egypt and Cyprus have opposed the deal over concerns that it overlaps with their maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean, a region marked by competing claims over sea boundaries and energy exploration rights.
In a statement, Greece’s Foreign Ministry described the agreement as “illegal and called on Libya to avoid actions that could undermine regional stability.”
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, however, said “Ankara remained committed to promoting security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean.”
The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity also welcomed the parliamentary decision, describing it as “a positive development for bilateral relations and regional cooperation.”
Libya has remained divided between rival administrations in the east and west since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Turkey previously supported the Tripoli-based government against an offensive by forces loyal to eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar in 2019 and 2020.
Relations between Turkey and eastern Libya have improved in recent years, with Turkish officials visiting Benghazi and Turkish companies investing in construction and other sectors.
Libyan lawmaker Tarek al-Jeroushi said “the agreement would strengthen Libya’s position as a political, military and economic partner to major powers.”
Saddam Haftar, deputy to Khalifa Haftar, also welcomed the approval, describing the deal as a tool to protect Libya’s rights and economic interests in the Mediterranean.
Reuters/Shakirat Sadiq
