Libya’s eastern parliament reverses its rejection of Türkiye maritime deal
Libya’s eastern House of Representatives approved the maritime-boundary memorandum signed with Türkiye in 2019 and lifted its earlier rejection. The decision follows Ankara’s growing contacts with eastern forces. The Tripoli-based government welcomed the reversal, while Greece maintained its legal objections to the agreement and said it would defend its sovereign rights. Parliament also reversed its decision to cut political relations with Ankara.
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Parliament repeals its earlier decisions
Libya’s eastern House of Representatives unanimously approved the maritime-boundary memorandum between Türkiye and the former Government of National Accord. The chamber also repealed its earlier rejection of the agreement and its decision to sever political relations with Ankara.[1], [2]
The memorandum was signed in 2019 with the then UN-recognised government in Tripoli. It delineates maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean. The Tobruk-based parliament, aligned with the eastern authorities backed by commander Khalifa Haftar, had rejected ratification in 2020.[1]
Tripoli welcomes the vote; Athens objects
The foreign ministry of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity welcomed the approval and repeal of the rejection. Eastern lawmaker Tarek al-Jeroushi said Libya’s national interest took precedence over objections from other countries. Specialised parliamentary committees had explained the agreement’s provisions before the vote.[1]
Greece’s foreign ministry reiterated its position that the agreement violates the international law of the sea and infringes regional states’ sovereign rights. Athens said it had informed partners and allies and would take appropriate measures to safeguard its rights.[1]
Ankara has expanded eastern military contacts
The reversal follows contacts Türkiye has developed with Haftar’s forces since last year. A July agreement covered military facilities and advanced surveillance systems. During Haftar’s offensive against Tripoli in 2019, Türkiye instead supported the government of Fayez al-Sarraj with military advisers and drones.[1]
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