Turkey-Libya controversial energy accord threatens stability in eastern MediterraneanCYPRUS: A controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last Monday between the government of Turkey and Libya’s Tripoli-based interim government concerning the exploration of hydrocarbons by mixed Turkish-Libyan companies in Libya’s territorial waters has angered East Mediterranean countries, particularly Greece, Egypt and Cyprus and it poses a serious threat to stability in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush signed the MoU in Tripoli, the capital of Libya’s internationally recognized government. The Memorandum follows the maritime accord between the two countries reached in 2019 with the former Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). Greece and Egypt challenged the legitimacy of last Monday’s deal, considering it to be the culmination of Ankara’s efforts over the years to establish itself in the Eastern Mediterranean. And with the critical reactions of the European Union and the United States, Turkey appears to be bracing for even stronger headwinds in the eastern Mediterranean.” (ANI)

Source: Libya Today October 10, 2022 23:55 UTC