Greece proposes maritime deal with Libya to bring stability

During a United Nations Security Council session on June 24th, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Evangelos C. Sekeris, reaffirmed the nation’s eagerness to engage with Libya over maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean according to the Libya Review. Sekeris also addressed Libya’s political stability and immigration.

The Greek representative emphasised that on the issue of the demarcation of maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean sea, Greece’s cooperation with Libya must be built on legal frameworks and mutual respect. 

Sekeris reassured that Athens respects Libya’s sovereignty and is committed to its territorial unity.

This offer from Sekeris comes following lengthy and tense disputes with Libya. On June 6th, Maghrebi reported that Greece would be asking Egyptian authorities to persuade the government they support in east Libya not to sign a maritime agreement with Turkey.

Greece highlighted in the UN Security Council session the importance of regional security and stability, not just in the Mediterranean sea.

According to the Libya Review, Sekeris voiced concern over the broad implications of the instability in Libya, and stressed the urgency of withdrawing all foreign forces, troops and mercenaries on the ground in Libya.

This would primarily be Russian forces. Over recent months Russia has been fortifying their position in Libya, with the potential of expanding their influence into the Mediterranean.

The violations of the arms embargo placed on Libya by the UN are also furthering instability and preventing peace from prevailing, said Sekeris.

Migration out of Libya was also addressed, Sekeris stated that in order to restore order to Libya and curb irregular migration flows to Europe, there must be a secure and Sovereign Libyan state.

The Mediterranean coast in Libya is a prime transit point for African immigrants to enter Europe.

Libya Review/Maghrebi