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Greece gains regional support as three Arab states join Athens in challenging the Turkey-Libya maritime agreement, warning it threatens international law and Eastern Mediterranean stability.<\/strong><\/p>\n Greece has secured the backing of Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in its dispute with Turkey over a controversial maritime agreement with Libya, as tensions over maritime boundaries and energy exploration continue in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n In a joint statement delivered to the United Nations in New York on Monday by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, the four countries raised concerns about the agreement, warning that it could undermine regional security and established principles of international law.<\/p>\n The diplomatic intervention follows the approval of the Turkey-Libya maritime accord by Libya\u2019s eastern-based parliament last week, reviving a dispute that has shaped relations across the Eastern Mediterranean since 2019.<\/p>\n Read more: Greece and Allies Reject Turkey-Libya Maritime Deal as Illegal (VID)<\/p>\n Greece, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE warned that bilateral arrangements must not undermine international legal frameworks or establish precedents that threaten regional stability.<\/p>\n Their joint statement expressed serious concerns about the agreement\u2019s implications for security and stability, arguing that maritime arrangements must respect established rules of international law.<\/p>\n Greece and Cyprus have long opposed the 2019 memorandum between Turkey and Libya, arguing that it disregards their maritime rights and claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, defended the agreement on Monday, dismissing criticism from the European Union and other parties as unjustified.<\/p>\n The latest diplomatic move broadens the opposition to the agreement beyond Greece and Cyprus, bringing three Arab states into a coordinated effort to challenge its implications.<\/p>\n The maritime memorandum was signed in 2019 by Turkey and the internationally recognised Libyan Government of National Accord, based in Tripoli.<\/p>\n However, Libya has remained divided between rival administrations since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.<\/p>\n The agreement was opposed for years by the eastern Libyan administration associated with military commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces fought to capture Tripoli in 2019 and 2020.<\/p>\n Turkey provided crucial military support to the Tripoli government during that conflict, helping repel Haftar\u2019s offensive.<\/p>\n Relations between Ankara and eastern Libya have since improved, with Turkish officials making regular visits to Benghazi and Turkish businesses expanding their involvement in construction and other sectors.<\/p>\n The eastern parliament\u2019s recent approval adds a new dimension to the dispute, although Greece and Cyprus continue to reject the agreement\u2019s implications for their maritime claims.<\/p>\n The dispute carries significant implications for energy exploration and potential offshore resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n Since the agreement was signed, Greece has moved forward with plans to explore for natural gas off Crete, awarding a licence to a consortium led by US energy company Chevron.<\/p>\n Athens has also pursued a separate maritime delimitation agreement with Libya, seeking to establish boundaries through negotiations rather than unilateral arrangements.<\/p>\n Gerapetritis said Greece remained ready to continue diplomatic efforts, calling on Libya to maintain constructive relations with its neighbours and respect international maritime rules as the country navigates its political transition.<\/p>\n The dispute is particularly significant for Greece because maritime boundaries influence offshore energy exploration, access to potential natural gas reserves and the legal status of activities across the region.<\/p>\n With Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE now joining Greece in its diplomatic opposition, Athens is seeking wider regional support for its position on maritime law.<\/p>\n Source:<\/strong> Reuters<\/p>\n <\/p>\nFour countries challenge maritime agreement<\/h2>\n
Libya\u2019s eastern parliament approves deal<\/h2>\n
Greece pursues energy exploration and maritime negotiations<\/h2>\n