Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives has voted unanimously to ratify a 2019 maritime demarcation memorandum with Turkiye in the eastern Mediterranean, effectively reversing its previous rejection from 2020. This legislative turnaround coincides with Ankara’s deepening diplomatic and military engagement with eastern commander Khalifa Haftar’s faction, marking a significant geopolitical shift in the divided North African nation.

The ratification immediately triggered sharp international backlash, with the European regime and Egypt rejecting the deal as null and void. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement asserting that the agreement infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states and breaches the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Meanwhile, Athens has briefed the UN Security Council, maintaining that the pact deliberately ignores Greek islands and violates its maritime territory.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan dismissed the widespread criticism, claiming that the agreement is entirely legitimate under international law and the principle of equity. However, security analysts warn that if Ankara and Libyan factions attempt to enforce the maritime boundaries on the water, the risk of naval confrontation remains exceptionally high, potentially drawing responses from regional powers and the European regime's naval missions.

Source: www.aljazeera.com