Turkey-Libya: Crete Research, Athens Reacts

Athens is on alert following the signing of an agreement between Turkey and Libya to conduct research in four maritime areas south and southwest of Crete. The oil companies of the two countries signed a memorandum for geological and geophysical studies, without the specific areas yet being defined.

Athens reacted immediately, stating that it would not accept any violation of its sovereign rights. According to reports, this move had been prepared by Ankara for some time, taking advantage of the climate in Libya.

The National Oil Corporation of Libya (NOC) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). The agreement covers 10,000 linear kilometers and the data is expected to be processed within 9 months.

The upcoming visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, to Libya is up in the air. Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue of Libya in the EU, regarding the increased migration flows.