The Turkey-Libya memorandum “is illegal, arbitrary, and defies geography itself,” emphasized the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during his address to the UN Security Council, referring to a “flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international maritime law”.
He emphasized that Turkey and Libya attempted to create an artificial maritime border, “as if the Greek islands located between their coasts did not exist.” As he noted, “Geography cannot be rewritten. And sovereign rights cannot be erased by drawing arbitrary lines on a map.”
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The Prime Minister emphasized that the islands are entitled to maritime zones, including the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone. “No agreement between two states can deprive a third state of its sovereign rights, and no bilateral arrangement can take precedence over international law,” he emphasized. He added that the memorandum has no legal effect on Greece’s sovereign rights and that its recent ratification by the Libyan House of Representatives “cannot transform an illegal memorandum into a legitimate agreement.”
Linking the issue to maritime security and regional development, he emphasized that the memorandum cannot be used as a pretext to challenge lawful activities or obstruct strategic connectivity projects. “We cannot allow arbitrary maritime claims to become tools for hindering the economic development and prosperity of an entire region,” he said.
At the same time, he condemned the attack and sinking of a commercial cargo ship owned by a Greek company in the Black Sea, stating that “targeting commercial shipping is absolutely unacceptable.” He reiterated the need for “a global maritime truce,” noting that insecurity at sea disrupts supply chains, increases transportation and insurance costs, and drives up the prices of energy and essential goods.
Regarding Europe’s role, he emphasized that “it cannot aspire to be a global economic power while remaining a bystander when the security of its trade routes is at stake.” He referred to Operation “ASPIDES” and called for a stronger European presence in ensuring the security of the broader region. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, satellites, and advanced sensors, noting that “technology alone does not constitute a strategy” and that international cooperation, information sharing, and investment are required.
In closing, he reaffirmed that “Greece will remain a steadfast defender of international law and freedom of navigation,” emphasizing that “freedom of navigation depends on maritime security, and maritime security depends on respect for international law.”
Source: CNA
