The map shows the maritime area secured by the deal between Turkey and Libya in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. (TRTWorld)
Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Cyprus have demanded that the United Nations refuse to recognise a territorial maritime deal between Turkey and the Libyan Government of National Accord.
The deal struck between Turkey and the GNA would mean that the GNA could give oil drilling and oil exploration licenses to Turkey, who is seeking to increase its political and economic influence in the region.
The states contending the agreement say that it is illegal under international law and the GNA has no authority to dictate Libyan maritime boundaries. Since 2014, conflict has raged in Libya between the Tripoli based GNA in the West and the Libyan National Army, which controls the East of the country. Turkey is seen to be a key backer of the Western forces, while France, Egypt and the UAE back the LNA.
In November 2019, Turkey and the Libyan government under the GNA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea off the Northern coast of Libya. The complainants argue that any such deal has to be registered with the UN Secretariat, something that does not apply to this Turkish-GNA memorandum. They also claim it violates the International Law of the Sea, which is upheld at the UN.
The long-running proxy conflict has greatly increased in tension over the last 6 months, and it is believed by many that Turkish backed GNA forces may attempt to capture the port of Sirte, which would give them access to the nation’s main oil refineries. The Egyptian government opposes such a move and has even stated that it would be willing to invade Libya if required. The battle is also ideological. Turkey’s Islamist president Recep Erdogan is seen to be ideologically tied to the GNA and the Muslim Brotherhood, whereas the Egyptian government is opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood and what it perceives to be Islamic extremism in the area. Indeed, it is believed ISIS forces operate within GNA territory.
Should the UN refuse to ratify, the MoU between Turkey and the GNA questions will be asked as to how Turkey will respond, and whether it makes them more likely to push towards Sirte in the near future. Similarly, should oil exploration begin or the port of Sirte be captured the question will arise as to what card Egypt and France will play next.
It is hoped that a peace agreement of mutual respect and tolerance between all sides can be found soon and that peace can befall the people of Libya who have suffered terribly under the past 6 years of war.
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