The Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, France, and the UAE issued a joint statement on the latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean that included condemning Turkey’s intervention in Libya.
The statement followed a virtual meeting that was held based on prior consultations and periodic coordination between Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and France within the framework of the “3 + 1” formula.
The United Arab Emirates joined them to discuss the situation in Libya, as well as several regional crises that threatened regional peace and stability.
The Ministers expressed their deep regret over the escalation of fighting and stressed the need to refrain from any foreign military intervention.
They strongly condemned Turkey’s military intervention, urging Ankara to respect the UN arms embargo and to bring an end to the flow of foreign fighters into Libya.
The parties to Libya’s conflict were called on to abide by the humanitarian truce during the holy month of Ramadan and to work towards a comprehensive political solution under the auspices of the United Nations.
The Ministers expressed the wish to see meetings of the political, military, economic and financial tracks resume as per the Berlin process.
The deployment of Turkish troops to Libya was described as a “serious violation” of international law that threatens regional stability.
The maritime border agreement signed between Turkey and the Government of National Accord was rejected and described as an illegal act that violated the sovereignty of other Mediterranean states.
“The ministers called upon Turkey to fully respect the sovereignty of all states and their sovereign rights in the maritime areas of the Eastern Mediterranean”, the statement added.
The Ministers also condemned Turkish activity taking place in the Special Economic Zone of Cyprus, saying these practices were in clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
According to the statement, this was Turkey’s sixth attempt in less than a year to carry out illegal excavations within the maritime territory of Cyprus.
The Ministers stressed the strategic importance of strengthening and intensifying their political consultations.
They praised the results of the meeting held in Cairo on January 8, 2020, to enhance security and stability in the eastern Mediterranean region.