Latest news with #GovernmentofNationalAccord
Libya Review
6 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Can Libya & Greece Settle Their Maritime Dispute?
Greece has signaled its willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Libya despite a deep and unresolved dispute over maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean. The row has persisted for years, centering on overlapping claims to each nation's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. Athens recently submitted a detailed file to the United Nations formally rejecting Libya's claims. According to the Greek government, the contested areas, particularly south of Crete and the Peloponnese, fall entirely within Greek jurisdiction under international maritime law. This position directly challenges the 2019 maritime agreement signed between Libya's then-UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and Turkey, which Greece says unlawfully ignores the maritime rights of its islands. Despite this firm rejection, Greece has restated its readiness to form a joint technical team with Libya to work toward an agreed demarcation of maritime zones. Officials in Athens say such talks could ease tensions, create legal clarity, and open the door to wider political and economic cooperation. Analysts note that Athens' approach comes amid efforts to repair strained ties with Libya, even as the maritime dispute remains politically charged and closely linked to broader Eastern Mediterranean energy exploration and security issues. Greek officials view structured dialogue as the most viable path to finding common ground, particularly in light of shifting regional alliances and competing offshore resource ambitions. The dispute continues to be one of the most contentious elements in bilateral relations, with both sides determined to defend their positions. However, Greece's call for 'constructive, good-faith' talks suggests that, despite the legal and political gulf, Athens sees potential for a negotiated settlement that could stabilize relations and reduce the risk of further escalation. Tags: AthensEEZGreecelibyaMaritime Border
Libya Review
7 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Ankara Confirms Offshore Energy Plans in Libya
Turkey will soon launch seismic surveys in Libya's territorial waters as part of its expanded offshore energy exploration strategy, the country's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar told Sky News Arabia. Bayraktar said the move is in line with Ankara's policy of seeking energy opportunities abroad, noting that Turkish survey and drilling vessels will also operate in Somalia's territorial waters to begin oil and gas exploration there. The decision to enter Libyan waters comes against the backdrop of long-standing maritime disputes in the eastern Mediterranean involving Libya, Turkey, and Greece. These tensions escalated after a 2019 maritime boundary agreement between Ankara and Libya's Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, which Athens condemned as violating its sovereign rights. Greece argues that the accord disregards its island territories and contravenes international maritime law, while Turkey maintains it is legitimate and protects both nations' economic interests. The disagreement has led to overlapping claims over exclusive economic zones and drilling rights in waters believed to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves. Turkey's presence in Libya's maritime zones has been further complicated by broader geopolitical rivalries in the Mediterranean, with several EU countries backing Greece's position. Despite periodic talks, the dispute remains unresolved, raising the risk of diplomatic or naval confrontations. Bayraktar's announcement signals Ankara's intention to press ahead with energy projects in contested areas, potentially adding a new layer of complexity to the already fraught relations between the three countries. Analysts say the move could strengthen Turkey's influence in North Africa and the Mediterranean but may also trigger renewed opposition from Athens and its European allies. Tags: CreteGreecelibyaMediterraneanTurkey
Libya Observer
10-08-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libya's Foreign Minister, Italian ambassador discuss Libyan political developments
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Accord, Mohammed Sayala has discussed with the Italian ambassador to Libya, Giuseppe Buccino the bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries. The meeting, which was held at the ministry's HQ in Tripoli on Sunday, also discussed the Libyan developments in the security and political field. For his part, Buccino reaffirmed support to the United Nations efforts to ensure security, peace and stability all over Libya. News Tagged: Italy foreign ministry
Libya Observer
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Al-Sarraj arrives in Niger to participate in the African Union extraordinary summit
The Chairman of the Presidential Council, Fayez Al-Sarraj arrived Saturday evening in Niger's capital Niamey, to participate in the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union. The two-day summit is to commence today and will discuss continental issues, on top of it, the Libyan file, according to the information office of the Government of National Accord. The African Union announced via its website that the extraordinary summit will witness the launch of the operational phase of the African Free Trade Area, in a move described by the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, as a historic achievement. The PC head met on the sidelines of the summit with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, where both sides reviewed the unfolding situation in Libya and the bilateral relations between the two countries. Al-Sarraj gave a general overview of the ongoing events in Libya and the repercussions of the attack on the capital, which he described as a coup attempt to return the country to a totalitarian rule, stressing determination to defeat the aggression in defense of the capital and a civil state. For his part, the South African president said that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis. "Arms must be silenced and conflicting parties must return to dialogue and reconciliation", Ramaphosa said. He also added that his country's experience proves that weapons are not a solution. Tags: Fayez Al-Sarraj African Union summit
Libyan Express
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Turkey rejects EU criticism of maritime deal with Libya
BY Libyan Express Jun 28, 2025 - 07:52 Turkey accuses EU of bias over maritime pact with Libya Turkey has dismissed European Union criticism of its 2019 maritime agreement with Libya, describing the EU's position as unhelpful to regional peace and stability. In a statement on Friday, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli responded to conclusions adopted by the European Council on 28 June 2025. The statement said the EU stance reflected the efforts of Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration to advance maritime claims that Ankara argues are incompatible with international law and the principle of equity. The maritime memorandum of understanding, signed between Turkey and Libya's then-UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), defines maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey maintains that the deal is legally valid and in line with international law. Keçeli said Ankara would not accept attempts to undermine what it considers its legitimate rights and interests in the region. He also said the EU's approach to maritime boundary issues—described as legally and technically complex—was politically biased and unlikely to contribute to stability. Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have risen in recent years due to competing maritime claims and energy exploration activities involving Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and other regional actors. The European Council's final communiqué is expected to express support for Greece's position on the Turkey-Libya agreement and address concerns related to irregular migration routes from the Libyan coast to southern Europe. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
