The EU has today formally requested notification of the Turkey-Libya `Memorandum of Understanding` and further clarification of its content, according to a statement issued by a spokesman for the European External Action Service (EEAS), headed by Joseph Borrell. The Spokesman has also called for respect for sovereign rights in the maritime zones of all neighboring coastal states, including those produced by their islands. ”

More specifically, the Spokesman issued a statement stressing that “the European Union stands in full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus regarding recent actions by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean Sea.”

“Turkey needs to respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all EU Member States, as stressed repeatedly by the European Council and in Council conclusions, most recently in June 2019”, the Spokesman stated.

“The bilateral `Memorandum of Understanding` between Turkey and Libya of 27 November 2019 on maritime delimitation has not been made public. Further clarifications are needed on its content. We expect the text to be communicated to the European Union without delay”, he noted.

“It is imperative that the international law of the sea, the principle of good neighbourly relations and the sovereignty and sovereign rights over the maritime zones of all neighbouring coastal states, including those generated by their islands, need to be respected. All members of the international community must abide by these principles and should refrain from any actions undermining regional stability and security”, the Spokesman concluded.