Turkey Signs Agreement With Libya

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias welcomed the Egyptian-Greek agreement as an “exemplary agreement”. Neither minister, however, disclosed the details of the deal. Egypt also criticized the deal and called it “illegal.” Turkey has increased military aid to Libyan allies, but the accompanying maritime deal has fueled the geopolitics of the Mediterranean. Greece and Egypt were among those who raised strong objections. Turkey and the Government of National Unity have signed a border treaty[a] to create an exclusive economic zone in the Mediterranean, which means they can claim rights over seabed resources. [1] In accordance with the list of maritime treaties, this is the first agreement ever signed between the two countries and therefore introduces a new dynamic in the eastern Mediterranean region. In a joint statement of 11 On 27 May 2020, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, as well as France and the United Arab Emirates, condemned the agreement on the grounds that it “cannot have legal consequences for third countries”, as it violates Greece`s sovereign rights and does not comply with the law of the sea. [17] Turkey called the joint statement hypocritical “a group of countries that aspire to regional chaos and instability.” [18] The sources said that the military agreement guaranteed the protection of Turkey`s interests in Libya and allowed Ankara`s direct intervention in the country. . . .