What is the Turkiye-Libya maritime deal, and why are the EU, Egypt opposed? | Water News
Libya’s Eastern Parliament Approves Maritime Deal with Turkiye Amid Regional Tensions
In a significant development, Libya’s eastern-based parliament has endorsed a 2019 maritime agreement with Turkiye, initially signed by the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli to delineate maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean. This move marks a notable shift, reversing the parliament’s earlier rejection of the deal from 2020.
The unanimous vote on Tuesday occurred against the backdrop of Turkiye nurturing its relationship with the eastern parliament, which is affiliated with renegade military leader Khalifa Haftar. Notably, Ankara previously supported the Tripoli government in repelling Haftar’s assault on the capital in 2020.
The decision has garnered criticism from both Egypt and the European Union, which have labeled the maritime borders agreement as “null and void.” Greece has also condemned the deal, asserting it violates international law, and has briefed the United Nations Security Council regarding its concerns.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has dismissed the criticisms, labeling the agreement as “entirely legitimate.”
The agreement in question is a memorandum of understanding that establishes a maritime border between Turkiye and Libya in the eastern Mediterranean. Signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then-Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj in Istanbul on November 27, 2019, the deal allowed Turkiye to claim potentially lucrative gas-rich areas in the region.
Regional Reactions
Egypt has voiced strong opposition to the maritime agreement, asserting that it infringes on Egyptian waters and asserting that its ratification has no legal weight within its exclusive economic zone. Historically, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been a staunch supporter of Haftar, but tensions have emerged due to Haftar’s dealings with the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
The European Union, represented by joint statements from the European Council and Commission presidents, also criticized the deal, stating it undermines the sovereign rights of its member states, particularly Greece and Cyprus. Both countries contend that the agreement neglects important geographical considerations, including Greek islands.
Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the agreement as an attempt to disregard its maritime territory, including vital regions like Crete, Rhodes, and Karpathos.
Turkiye’s Stance and Future Implications
Turkiye maintains that the maritime agreement is legal and active. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that the deal reinforces both nations’ rights under international law.
The eastern Libyan parliament’s shift in position appears to be influenced by recent diplomatic engagements with Turkiye and a change in leadership, which saw Al-Salhin Abdelnabi al-Obeidi elected as speaker. Analysts suggest that Turkiye’s growing influence in Libya could have significant implications for the region, particularly concerning its relations with rival powers.
While the GNA in Tripoli has welcomed the recent vote, experts caution that the endorsement of the maritime deal does not signify a broader unification among Libya’s fragmented political factions. Crucially, issues surrounding budgetary control, military oversight, and electoral processes remain deeply contentious.
As reactions to the maritime agreement unfold, Greece has signaled its intention to take necessary measures to protect its sovereign rights. Observers warn of the heightened risks of naval incidents if either Turkiye or Libya attempts to enforce the deal at sea, particularly in light of past tensions that brought the two NATO allies to the brink of military confrontation over oil and gas exploration.
The future implications of this deal, as well as the potential international response, remain to be seen as all involved parties navigate an increasingly complex situation.
