Libya rejects Greek demand to scrap Türkiye maritime agreement

The Libyan parliament has strongly denounced recent Greek calls to nullify a pivotal maritime boundary agreement signed with Türkiye in 2019. In an official statement, Misbah Ouhida, the parliament's second deputy speaker, condemned the remarks by Greek Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis as a "clear violation of national sovereignty" and unacceptable interference in Libya's internal affairs.

Libya asserts sovereign rights over bilateral pacts

Ouhida expressed "astonishment and disapproval" at the repeated statements from Greek officials. He emphasized that "Libya is a fully sovereign state and alone knows its supreme interests and how to protect them." The Libyan official asserted that international agreements concluded by the state are "sovereign decisions governed by international laws and norms," and that no external party has the right to dictate whether Libya should uphold or cancel them.

Context of the disputed 2019 maritime deal

The 2019 memorandum of understanding between the Government of National Accord in Tripoli and Ankara delineates maritime jurisdictions in the Eastern Mediterranean, granting both countries access to resource-rich zones. Greece vehemently opposes the deal, claiming it violates its own exclusive economic zone and continental shelf rights. The agreement remains a persistent source of tension between Athens and Ankara, with Libya consistently defending its validity.

A call for respect and non-interference

In his statement, Ouhida stressed respect for the principles of good neighborliness and bilateral relations based on mutual respect. He urged "the Greek side to exercise restraint, respect Libya’s sovereignty, and stop attempts to interfere in Libya’s internal affairs." The firm Libyan stance reinforces the durability of the pact with Türkiye and signals Tripoli's intention to resist external pressure regarding its foreign policy choices.