US slams gas exploration deal between Turkey and Libya

The United States slammed the hydrocarbons exploration deal signed between Turkey and Libya’s interim Tripoli government, 

urging all parties “to refrain from actions that risk escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean."

“We note that Libya’s interim government is obligated under the provisions of the Libya Political Dialogue Forum roadmap not to consider new agreements that harm the stability of foreign relations of the Libyan State or impose long-term obligations on it,” a US State Department spokesperson told reporters in Washington, Euronews reported on Wednesday.

Turkey and Libya’s Tripoli government on Monday has signed a series of preliminary economic agreements that included potential energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, a move that immediately slammed by Greece and Egypt that both said they will oppose any activity in disputed areas. 

In 2019, Turkey and Tripoli-based GNA government (Government of National Accord) signed a maritime demarcation accord to establish an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean. The accord that created a sea corridor between the two countries, cuts through a zone claimed by Greece and Egypt, whom are also collaborating on gas exploration in the region.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said his country’s borders are ready to be defended by its armed forces, as well as by its diplomatic allies, against Turkey’s plans to claim control over Greek territory.

In his address to the Greek parliament on Wednesday, Mitsotakis said “geography does not change at the behest of one’s decision to change or distort it” and called on Turkey to return to a “realm of logic.” Otherwise, it will be stopped, he said.