WASHINGTON (ANA-MPA/ P. Kasfikis) –
The U.S. State Department has described the announcement of the ratification of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum as “unhelpful and provocative”, noting that it has heightened tensions in the region and stressing that Washington’s position on the issue remains unchanged.
The clarification came in a new response to ‘Kathimerini’ newspaper following concerns in Athens over the Department’s earlier statement on October 21, which had avoided criticising the controversial agreement and instead emphasised the need for dialogue and good-faith negotiations among Eastern Mediterranean countries.
“The announcement of the ratification of the Turkish-Libyan delimitation memorandum of understanding has raised tensions in the region and is unhelpful and provocative — and our position on this matter has not changed,” the State Department said.
“We encourage all countries, including partners in the Eastern Mediterranean, to resolve maritime disputes through good-faith negotiations and avoid any provocative behaviour. Greece and Turkiye are both NATO allies. We encourage them to engage bilaterally to address any areas of disagreement. The peaceful resolution of such disputes paves the way for commercial investment and exploration that will benefit the entire region,” it added.
