Turkey has objected to Greece’s approval of offshore energy exploration south of Crete, calling the move a unilateral action that violates international law and regional agreements.
The dispute follows the signing of lease agreements between Greece and a consortium led by US energy company Chevron to explore for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean, significantly expanding Greece’s exploration area and US involvement in the region.
Turkey’s defence ministry said the activity breached a 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya, and claimed it also infringed on Libya’s declared maritime jurisdiction.
Ankara said it would continue backing Libyan authorities in opposing what it described as Greece’s unlawful actions.
Athens rejected the criticism, with government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis saying Greece exercises its sovereign rights in full accordance with international law.
The disagreement revives long-standing tensions between the two NATO allies over maritime boundaries and energy rights, despite a recent easing of relations following a 2023 declaration on friendly ties.
Source: Reuters
