Nicosia Challenges Turkey-Libya Maritime Deal, Cites International Law

The Republic of Cyprus, in a formal note to the UN, has reiterated its position on the 2019 Turkey-Libya memorandum. Nicosia argues that the memorandum does not produce legal effects and does not affect the rights of third countries in maritime zones.

In the letter to the UN Secretary-General, Cyprus states that the Turkey-Libya memorandum is inconsistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is noted that Libya refers to the delimitation of maritime zones between states without opposite coasts, ignoring the rights of coastal states such as Greece and the Greek islands.

Nicosia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and maritime zone delimitation agreements between states with neighboring coasts, in accordance with UNCLOS. The Republic of Cyprus notes Libya's willingness to negotiate with neighboring countries on the delimitation of maritime borders.

The letter requests that it be circulated as a document of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Source: CNA