The prospect of Libya’s eastern-based parliament ratifying an illegal maritime deal with Turkey, at the expense of Greece, has resurfaced, according to reports, potentially reshaping dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Bloomberg reported that Libya’s House of Representatives in Benghazi, aligned with Gen. Khalifa Haftar, is expected to approve the 2019 Turkish-Libyan memorandum in the coming weeks. The agreement, which delineates maritime zones between the two countries despite their not having adjacent coastlines, remains inactive pending legislative ratification.

The Tripoli-based government in western Libya, backed by Ankara, signed the accord years ago, but lawmakers in Benghazi have yet to endorse it. Recent moves towards rapprochement between Ankara and Benghazi are seen as paving the way for ratification.

Speculation has intensified in recent weeks that the legislative process is nearing completion. About 10 days ago, reports suggested ratification might occur during a parliamentary session convened to approve Libya’s budget. That session was postponed and held earlier this week without addressing the memorandum. Bloomberg’s reporting suggests approval could still come within weeks.

Diplomatic sources in Athens said there is currently no further information but noted Greece is monitoring developments closely. Ratification could provide Ankara grounds to expand its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, including activity in maritime zones claimed under the pact. Bloomberg quoted sources saying that if the agreement is approved, it may pave the way for oil and gas exploration by Turkish vessels in a wide area between Crete and Turkey.

The issue gained further weight after Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed a memorandum of cooperation in June with Turkey’s state oil company for exploration in four offshore blocks between Libya and Crete.

Diplomatic officials also noted tensions in Benghazi earlier this month, when Turkey hosted a trilateral meeting with Italy and Tripoli’s government, a move viewed in eastern Libya as privileging Tripoli.

In a parallel development, Libya’s eastern coast guard completed the first phase of a training program for 48 personnel aimed at bolstering efforts against irregular migration flows.

Source: Ekathimerini.com