Tensions have flared between Greece and Libya just days before a planned visit by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to Tripoli, with Libya accusing Athens of infringing on its sovereign rights over disputed maritime zones.
The Libyan Government of National Unity issued a strong statement condemning Greece’s recent call for international bids to explore and exploit hydrocarbon resources in areas south of Crete, some of which Libya claims fall within contested waters.
Calling the move a “clear violation” of its sovereignty, Libya’s Foreign Ministry said it was monitoring developments “with intense concern” and rejected any activity in the disputed zones without a formal legal agreement. It urged Greece to pursue dialogue “based on the rules of International Law and the safeguarding of the interests of all parties.”
Tripoli also warned that unilateral actions “only fuel tensions” and stressed its commitment to peaceful cooperation in the Mediterranean.
The controversy is rooted in a 2019 maritime memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya’s Tripoli-based government, which claims an exclusive economic zone extending across parts of the eastern Mediterranean. The agreement has been rejected by Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and Libya’s eastern-based rival government in Tobruk.
Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy sources responded by stating, “Greece is actively exercising its sovereign rights with steadfast commitment to international law and the law of the sea.” They added, “The Greek government does not abandon dialogue, but always within the framework of international legality.”
Source: Ekathimerini
