Greece is set to issue a formal response to recent diplomatic communications from Libya, emphasizing its reliance on thorough and legally-grounded arguments, according to diplomatic sources. These notes, while not legally binding in the immediate term, will play a crucial role in any future legal proceedings concerning maritime boundaries.
Greek officials contend that Libya’s maritime maps violate international law by neglecting the rights of Greek islands such as Crete, while erroneously recognizing neighboring Malta’s rights. They highlight that the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime agreement is at the heart of the issue, as it lacks legal validity due to the absence of opposing coastlines between Greece and Libya.
Despite the rising tensions surrounding this issue, Greek sources noted that Libya has generally respected the median line in the disputed waters. Additionally, amid concerns over a spike in irregular migration from eastern Libya, Greece is advocating for coordinated action within the European Union.
Greece has positioned itself uniquely as the only country maintaining senior-level engagements with both rival factions in Libya, taking an initiative rather than just reacting. This proactive approach demonstrates Greece’s commitment to addressing the complexities in the region.
Looking forward, the next Greece-Turkey High Council is anticipated to take place in September, serving as a key forum for managing ongoing tensions and promoting dialogue between the two nations.
This situation highlights Greece’s strategic diplomatic maneuvers in navigating complex international relations while addressing pressing regional issues such as migration. Such proactive engagement may serve to foster cooperative solutions in the region, promoting stability.