Libya ratifies 2019 maritime deal with Turkey, drawing rejections from Egypt, Israel, and Greece

Libya's eastern House of Representatives has ratified a 2019 maritime boundary memorandum with Turkey, prompting rejections from Egypt, Israel, and Greece.

• Libya's eastern House of Representatives ratified the 2019 maritime boundary memorandum with Turkey and cancelled a 2020 decision severing political ties with Ankara.
• Egypt's Foreign Ministry rejected the ratification, declaring the memorandum "absolutely void" and without legal effect regarding Egypt.
• Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the ratification, stating Turkey is again seeking to destabilize the eastern Mediterranean region.
• Greece's Foreign Ministry rejected the agreement, saying it violates international maritime law and will act to protect its sovereign rights.
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Libya's parliament ratifying the 2019 maritime memorandum of understanding with Turkey.
• Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the Libyan National Army, welcomed the ratification, saying it prioritizes Libya's sovereignty and national interests.
• Cyprus and the European Union joined Egypt, Greece, and Israel in rejecting the ratification.
• Libya's eastern-based House of Representatives cast a unanimous vote supporting the 2019 memorandum with Turkey.
• Critics said the memorandum violates the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and infringes on opposing states' maritime rights.
• Egyptian diplomats and former officials said the rejection stems from perceived threats to Egypt's maritime rights and the lack of coordination before the agreement was signed.
• Mahfouz Marzouk, former director of Egypt's naval academy, said the 2019 Libya-Turkey maritime memorandum is not binding on Egypt and urged legal and diplomatic measures.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed the full legal and political legitimacy of the maritime memorandum with Libya.