Cyprus Reiterates Firm Stance on Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding

Strategic Insights -

The Republic of Cyprus has underscored its opposition to the Memorandum of Understanding between Turkey and Libya, citing non-compliance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In a letter to the United Nations, Cyprus emphasizes that the Memorandum does not produce any legal consequences for third parties and does not affect the rights of third states over maritime zones. Nicosia also highlights the importance of respecting international law, particularly Article 121 of UNCLOS, which provides for the entitlement of islands to a territorial sea, contiguous zone, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone. The Republic of Cyprus reiterates its call for full respect of international law and welcomes Libya's readiness to engage in negotiations for the delimitation of maritime boundaries in accordance with international law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republic of Cyprus has reiterated its firm stance on the Memorandum of Understanding between Turkey and Libya, citing non-compliance with international law.
  • The Memorandum does not produce any legal consequences for third parties and does not affect the rights of third states over maritime zones, including their sovereign rights under international law.
  • Nicosia emphasizes the importance of respecting international law, particularly Article 121 of UNCLOS, which provides for the entitlement of islands to a territorial sea, contiguous zone, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone.
  • The Republic of Cyprus points out that the Memorandum fabricates a non-existent maritime boundary between Turkey and Libya, while deliberately ignoring the presence and maritime entitlements of coastal states in the region.
  • Cyprus highlights the importance of full respect for international law and recalls that maritime delimitation agreements must be concluded between states with opposite or adjacent coasts, in good faith and in accordance with the well-established principles of international law.
  • The Permanent Mission of Cyprus requests that the present letter be circulated as a document of the General Assembly and the Security Council, and published on the UN website and included in a forthcoming edition of the Law of the Sea Bulletin.
  • Libya has stated its readiness to engage in negotiations with all neighboring states for the delimitation of maritime boundaries in accordance with international law.

Statistics:

  • The letter was submitted by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations.
  • Cyprus recalls earlier letters from Cyprus to the UN dated 20 January, 24 April, and 20 July 2020.
  • Article 121 of UNCLOS provides for the entitlement of islands to a territorial sea, contiguous zone, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Sources:

  • A letter submitted by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations.
  • UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  • Earlier letters from Cyprus to the UN dated 20 January, 24 April, and 20 July 2020.