Latest news with #Keçeli
Libya Observer
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Turkey: EU statements on maritime agreement with Libya undermine peace
Turkey criticized EU remarks regarding the 2019 maritime agreement between Ankara and Tripoli, stating they do not support peace and regional stability. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli, responding to EU Council conclusions issued Friday, said the remarks reflect Greece and Greek Cypriots' persistent attempts to impose their extreme demands on the EU, which contradict international law and the principle of equity. He defended the 2019 memorandum between Turkey and Libya on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean as fully compliant with international law, stressing Turkey would never allow its legitimate rights and interests to be violated through unilateral actions. Keçeli said the EU's politically motivated and biased statements on sensitive maritime delimitation issues — which involve legal and technical dimensions — do not serve regional peace and stability. He urged the EU to encourage its member states to abide by international law instead of yielding to legally baseless claims. Turkey, he emphasized, will continue to firmly defend its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. Tags: maritime borders Turkey Greece
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.
Libya Review
28-06-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Turkey Reaffirms Legality of Maritime Agreement with Libya
On Saturday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Libya is fully consistent with international law, amid renewed criticism from European Union officials. Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in a press release that Turkey will not accept any unilateral actions that undermine its legitimate maritime rights. He emphasized that the memorandum of understanding, signed between Turkey and Libya's internationally recognized government, was legally sound and aligned with principles of international law. Keçeli denounced what he called politically motivated remarks from the European Union, asserting that such statements fail to contribute to peace or regional stability. 'The EU continues to make biased claims based on political motives rather than legal reasoning,' he said. He specifically criticised Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, accusing them of attempting to impose maximalist claims in the Eastern Mediterranean through EU mechanisms. 'These efforts contradict international law and fairness,' he said, adding that the two governments are using EU institutions to promote national interests that infringe on others' rights. Turkey, Keçeli continued, urges the EU to act as a neutral body and to encourage its members to comply with international law, rather than taking sides in complex legal and geopolitical matters. The 2019 agreement between Turkey and Libya aimed to delineate exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it has triggered strong objections from neighboring countries, particularly Greece, which argues the deal ignores the rights of Greek islands. Despite the criticism, Ankara insists that the deal was a legitimate response to attempts to marginalize Turkey's maritime rights in the region. Keçeli concluded that Turkey remains determined to defend its interests peacefully and legally, and to continue cooperation with Libya under the existing agreement. Tags: CypruseuGreecelibyaMaritime AgreementTurkey
Shafaq News
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Gunmen open fire on Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul, no injuries reported
Shafaq News/ Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on the Iraqi Consulate in Istanbul on Friday evening, Turkiye's foreign ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said. 'The attack caused no casualties or material damage,' Keçeli said in a statement. Security forces have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, he added. Keçeli emphasized that Turkish authorities are in constant coordination with their Iraqi counterparts and have taken all necessary measures to protect Iraqi diplomatic missions in Ankara, Istanbul, and Gaziantep. Iraq's foreign ministry had earlier confirmed the attack, saying the consulate building in Istanbul had come under gunfire.
