United Nations’ Division for Ocean Affairs will post the geographical coordinates outlined in the maritime border agreement signed by Turkey and Libya in November 2019. Including the memorandum’s sea zone maps in the UN’s database is expected to give them an official character. Athens is concerned, however, it tries to downplay the issue saying the Division does not have legal authority for the recognition of the EEZ between Turkey and Libya.
According to daily Kathimerini information Athens is bracing for the United Nations’ Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea to post the geographical coordinates outlined in the maritime border agreement signed by Turkey and the Tripoli-based government in Libya on November 29, 2019.
The inclusion of the memorandum’s sea zone maps in the UN’s database is expected to give them an official character, much to the concern of Athens, which is preparing for whatever consequence this may entail.
Turkey has conveyed that the posting of the maps by the UN will essentially make the memorandum official and will pave the way for Ankara to begin exploratory drilling activities for natural resources in the maritime zones that are outlined in the accord as part of Turkey’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including an area off southern Crete.
Diplomatic sources in Athens told Star TV that registering the EEZ coordinates in the UN’s data base does not mean official recognition. “It is a formal procedure and the Secretariat does not have a legal authority.”
PS whether “legal authority” or not, Athens should better be cautious and take action – officially!
The Turkey-Libya boundary agreement has no legitimacy under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea – it won’t stand up to any legal challenge.
No it’s not black and white. Practically, no one is is going to oppose it legally because it will lead to the legality of Israel digging for gas in a stollen territory.