The recent ratification of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum by Libya’s House of Representatives was undoubtedly an unwelcome development for Athens, but, according to the government’s view, it does not amount to a defeat for the country.
At the Maximos Mansion, alongside the obvious point that the decision was unilateral and illegal, officials stress that the substance of Greece’s strategy is judged largely by the country’s ability to activate international alliances, prevent faits accomplis and strengthen its position on the diplomatic chessboard.
A central part of this effort is to broaden the front opposing the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, both within the European Union and with the participation of countries of strategic importance to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Arab world.
The government attaches particular importance to the common European response, as well as to the prompt statements by the presidents of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament. The prompt joint statement by the 27 member states reflects, according to Athens, Europe’s clear position on an agreement whose compatibility with international law is disputed.
Of course, the diplomatic impact of Greece’s efforts extended beyond European backing. The joint statement by Greece, Egypt, Cyprus, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union, read out yesterday at the UN by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, represents another step towards building a broader international front.
Egypt’s and Middle Eastern countries’ participation in this alliance is particularly significant, as it reflects a convergence of interests with countries that play an important geostrategic role in the region and in which Athens has invested heavily.
Strengthening Greece’s presence
At the same time, the resumption of discussions with Cairo on extending the agreement delimiting the Exclusive Economic Zone, is particularly significant as part of efforts to strengthen Greece’s legal and diplomatic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Statements of support from Israel and the US State Department on the same issue are also in line with this effort. The UN secretary-general, António Guterres, also said that violations of international law are unacceptable and that arrangements inconsistent with the Law of the Sea should not be accepted. Greece welcomed his remarks, despite the lack of an explicit condemnation of Turkey and Libya.
These developments also form the government’s main argument in response to sharp criticism from the opposition, which portrays the ratification of the memorandum as a failure of Greek foreign policy. The Maximos Mansion’s response is that this development does not invalidate Greece’s positions or alter the legal assessment of the agreement, while international mobilisation shows that Athens has not been left diplomatically isolated.
“Greece always acts in accordance with international law, fully defends and safeguards its national interests,” Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis said on OPEN, stressing that patience, composure and an overall assessment of the results are required.
“We will take stock at the end, as we do on all foreign policy issues,” he said, recalling, by way of example, the speculation that had arisen over the F-35s and Turkey’s acquisition of them.