U.S. State Department criticizes Turkey-Libya maritime deal

The U.S. State Department has issued a sharp critique of the ratification of a maritime delimitation memorandum between Turkey and Libya, describing the move as “unhelpful and provocative.” The announcement has heightened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This statement marks a notable shift in Washington’s tone. While the U.S. has previously maintained a neutral stance between NATO allies Greece and Turkey, urging dialogue and good-faith negotiations, the latest response directly labels the ratification as non-constructive.

The 2019 memorandum, signed by Turkey and the Tripoli-based government in Libya, establishes maritime boundaries that exclude Greek islands such as Crete. The deal has been contested by Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and the European Union, who view it as illegal. The disputed waters are significant due to potential gas reserves and the planned undersea power cable intended to link Greece and Cyprus, a project Turkey opposes.