The “fire” against the SA was brought by the competition for the plots south of Crete, just a day after the strong reactions of its interim government.
The Benghazi government’s “Foreign Ministry” issued a similar announcement to the one it had issued, arguing that Greece’s move is violating Libyan sovereign rights.
In her announcement, Khalifa Haftar’s side calls on Athens not to go ahead with the competitions she has announced and to come first in a consultation with the Libyan side to find a mutual solution.
There is no reference to the Turkish Memorandum
It is worthwhile, however, that unlike the announcement by the Tripoli government, the corresponding announcement by the Benghazi government makes no mention of the issue of the Turkish Memorandum.
The announcement is as follows:
“Libya’s government statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the Greek Communication on the launch of an international call for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in disputed maritime areas
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan Government expresses its deep surprise and concern about what was published in the issue (2025/3335/C) of the official newspaper of the European Union, June 12, 2025, that the Greek Government has announced the Greek Government. of Crete, part of which is subject to a unresolved legal dispute with the state of Libya.
The Ministry confirms the inherent and inalienable Libyan right to exploration and utilize its hydrocarbons in its internationally recognized maritime areas, in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, which is an integrated legal framework that regulates all activities.
The Ministry also stresses that any activities to explore or exploit hydrocarbons in controversial areas or areas falling under the maritime jurisdiction of Libya, without its prior and explicit consent, will be considered illegal and aggressive acts and will entail all lawsuits. The escalation on the part of Greece would exacerbate tensions in the Mediterranean and prevent efforts to promote stability and international cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common interests.
As a result, the Ministry calls on the Greek Government: to immediately stop all the procedures related to the offer or assignment of any projects to explore hydrocarbons in marine areas falling under the sovereign rights of Libya. To abstain from taking unilateral measures that could harm Libya’s sovereign rights.
To participate in a constructive and serious dialogue with the Libyan state to seek fair and equal solutions to the issues, in accordance with the principles of international law and the interests of all parties.
The Libyan state maintains all its legal rights to take the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and its natural resources, in accordance with international laws and rules. “
