On Monday, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, France, and the UAE issued a joint statement on the latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean region, after their meeting via a video conference that included condemning the Turkish interference in Libya.
This meeting was held based on prior consultations and periodic coordination between Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and France within the framework of the "3 + 1" formula. Then their counterparts from the United Arab Emirates joined them to discuss the latest worrying developments in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as several regional crises that threaten peace and stability in that region.
The ministers expressed their deep regret over the escalation of military confrontations in Libya and stressed the need to refrain from any foreign military intervention in Libya based on the results of the Berlin Conference.
The ministers strongly condemned the Turkish military intervention in Libya and urged Turkey to fully respect the UN weapon embargo and stop the flow of foreign fighters from Syria to Libya, as this threatens the stability of Libya's neighboring countries in Africa and Europe.
The ministers called on the Libyan parties to abide by the humanitarian truce during the holy month of Ramadan and affirmed their commitment to work towards a comprehensive political solution to the Libyan crisis under the auspices of the United Nations. They expressed their keenness to resume meetings of the political, military, economic, and financial tracks of the Berlin process.
They also claimed that the maritime border agreement signed between Turkey and the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) is an illegal act that violates the sovereignty of other Mediterranean states.
The foreign ministers of Egypt, France, UAE, Greece, and Cyprus called the deployment of Turkish troops in Libya a “serious violation” of international law that puts at risk regional stability. They also claimed that the maritime border agreement signed between Turkey and the UN-backed Government of National Accord is an illegal act that violates the sovereignty of other Mediterranean states.
“The ministers called upon Turkey to fully respect the sovereignty of all states and their sovereign rights in their maritime areas of the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Turkey's violation in Libya
The ministers also condemned the escalation of Turkish violations of Greek airspace, which is a violation of international law in addition to the systematic exploitation of civilians by Turkey in addition to seeking to push them towards crossing the Greek land and sea borders illegally.
Regarding the illegal Turkish acts taking place in the Special Economic Zone of Cyprus and its territorial waters, the ministers condemned these practices for their clear violation of international law upon the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to the statement, this is Turkey’s sixth attempt in less than a year to carry out illegal excavations within the maritime territory of Cyprus.
The Ministers stressed the strategic importance of strengthening and intensifying their political consultations, praised the results of the meeting held in Cairo on January 8, 2020, to enhance security and stability in the eastern Mediterranean countries, and expressed deep concern about the current and continuing escalation and provocative practices committed by Turkey.
Egypt and Libya's crisis with Turkey
Egypt has affirmed that a political solution would be the best option for settling the conflict in Libya despite the existing disagreements, stressing the necessity of achieving stability in Libya while preserving its unity and territorial integrity.
This comes within the framework of Egypt’s brotherly and friendly ties with Libya and its people, according to the statement.
Egypt, however, asserted that a political solution does not mean, and should not lead, to any concessions or complacency in facing the armed militias and terrorists that are being supported by Turkey.
Egypt also rejected entering into negotiations with these illegal groups and mercenaries regarding the future of Libya.
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