Cyprus: Turkish-GNA Maritime Borders Deal Violates Int'nal Law

Cyprus` representative at the Sixth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Charis Chrysostomou said on Tuesday that his country joins other member states in expressing serious concerns about the registration of the maritime borders deal on between the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and Turkey. They consider it to not meet the necessary standards under Article 102 of the United Nations Charter.

In a speech entitled "Strengthening and enhancing the framework of international treaties," Cyprus` representative said that the bilateral memorandum of understanding does not meet even the initial criteria for registration."

"It is clear that it is bypassing the authorities, in addition to being in stark contrast to international legality and established rules of international law, including the international law of the seas, he added.

"Cyprus` representative said this, in a clear reference to the recent memorandum of understanding signed by Turkey and the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya regarding the demarcation of the maritime borders.

Cyprus` representative noted that it is clear that this is an undesirable outcome, and that such an unfortunate development only contributes to increasing tensions and spreading regional instability.

He explained that this directly contradicted the rationale for Article 102, and similar doubts might arise regarding the issue of registering the Turkey-GNA treaty with established international norms and laws.

"Hence, we believe that we must all find a way to facilitate the work of the UN Secretariat in order to better clarify the framework and criteria for treaty registration under Article 102. It is also better to involve the International Law Commission in this important task," he added.

The Cypriot diplomat said that Nicosia welcomed the updating of regulations related to Article 102 of the United Nations Charter according to General Assembly Resolution No. 73/210 of February 1, 2019, with the aim of adapting them to the latest developments in the practice of treaty registration, advances in information technology and ensuring consistency in the conclusion of treaties.