Cyprus files complaint to UN over Turkey–Libya maritime agreement

In a diplomatic note sent on August 18, 2025, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus reiterated its firm position regarding the 2019 memorandum on maritime boundaries between Turkey and Libya (Government of National Accord — GNA). The note insists that this document contradicts international law and creates no legal consequences for third states, including Greece and Cyprus itself.

Cyprus states that the memorandum signed on November 27, 2019, allegedly establishes the delimitation of exclusive economic zones and the continental shelf between Turkey and Libya. However, it concerns states without directly opposing or adjacent coastlines, which, according to Cypriot authorities, renders it legally invalid and creates a "non-existent maritime boundary".

The note particularly stresses that the document "deliberately ignores the presence and maritime rights of other coastal states in the region, including Greek islands such as Crete and the Dodecanese." Cyprus refers to Article 121(2) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which explicitly grants islands territorial seas, contiguous zones, continental shelves, and exclusive economic zones. Cyprus highlights that this provision reflects customary international law and is binding even on non-parties to the Convention.

The note also points out that the line closing the Gulf of Sirte and related straight baselines do not conform to customary international law as reflected in the Convention, and therefore have no legal effect for third states.

Cyprus underscores the importance of full respect for international law and notes that maritime delimitation agreements should only be concluded between states with opposite or adjacent coastlines, based on good faith and in accordance with recognized international norms and UNCLOS practice.

In conclusion, Cyprus expresses understanding of Libya’s readiness to enter negotiations with neighboring states regarding the establishment of maritime boundaries strictly in line with international law.