The US State Department has denounced the recent maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya, calling it 'unhelpful and provocative' and warning that it has raised tensions in the region.
What happened
The Turkey-Libya deal, which was approved by the Eastern Libyan parliament in mid-October, has been met with frustration and anger from many nations, including Greece, Israel, and the European Union. The agreement is seen as an attempt to rewrite the established sea borders in the sensitive Mediterranean Sea region, where large deposits of gas are believed to exist.
The US State Department has encouraged all countries in the region to resolve maritime disputes through good-faith negotiations and avoid provocative behavior. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has defended the agreement, calling it 'entirely legitimate' and not in violation of international law.
Israel has strongly condemned the deal, saying it infringes upon the sovereign rights of its close allies in the region. The European Union has also invoked strong language, declaring the deal to be in violation of maritime law and 'null and void'. Greece has also rejected the deal, with its Foreign Minister saying it will not be implemented as it is contrary to international law.
