Greece-Libya: Tensions Rise Over Turkish-Libyan Memorandum

Relations between Greece and Libya are deteriorating as Ankara, Benghazi, and Tripoli strengthen their ties, prompted by the Turkish-Libyan memorandum. Athens emphasizes it will not accept any violation of its sovereign rights.

The Libyan National Oil Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with its Turkish counterpart for geological and geophysical studies in four maritime areas. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was informed.

According to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, Turkish Petroleum will conduct geological and geophysical studies of four offshore areas, including a two-dimensional seismic survey (10,000 km).

Athens is bringing the issue to the Summit, seeking condemnation of the memorandum as unacceptable and illegal. A visit by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to Libya is planned.

The Libyan Foreign Ministry summoned the Greek Ambassador, Nikolaos Garilis, regarding "unilateral steps" in disputed maritime areas.

There is an increase in migration flows from Libya to Crete. Migration Minister Makis Voridis will travel to Libya with his Italian counterpart to find a solution.