Libyan government

Talks on confidence building measures (CBMs) between Greek and Turkish military and diplomatic delegations began on Monday under the shadow of Ankara's apparent intention to ignore the existence of certain islands, including Crete, and to move ahead with an eye on exploratory drilling in maritime areas that belong to Greece.

A contested memorandum of understanding delimitating maritime borders between Turkey and Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli is "outrageous" and based on a "flawed reading of international law," a US Senator said on Wednesday during a discussion at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about US Policy towards Libya.

A former Greek admiral has challenged Greece's official arguments in disputes with Turkey regarding the maritime territories and continental shelf zones in the Aegean Sea, urging mindful discussions.

With its efforts in the field and diplomatic area, Turkey assumed the key role to bring peace to Libya, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Jan. 19.

An anticipated US diplomatic initiative aimed at easing mounting tension between NATO allies Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean is expected to focus on the issue of exclusive economic zones, amid concerns regarding the maritime borders agreement signed between Ankara and the Tripoli-based Libyan government.

A deal between Turkey and Libya guarantees that its maritime freedom of movement is not "undermined", country's communications director said on Dec. 27.

"Our maritime agreement with Libya ensures that Turkey's freedom of movement in the high seas is not undermined," Fahrettin Altun said, adding that the agreement also ensures a strong relationship with the Libyan government.

A day after his visit to Tunisia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that in January next year, parliament would vote on a law allowing troops to be sent to Tripoli. For the Islamist leader, this is a way to expand his sphere of influence and assist the unstable Libyan government with national consensus, writes the French daily Liberation.

Turkey continues to follow an aggressive strategy towards other nations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Any plan excluding Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean is impossible, and Turkey will not shrink from steps needed to stand with the Libyan government and its people, said Turkey's presidential spokesman on Dec. 24. 

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias reportedly held a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, on Tuesday, a day before he is due to attend a Christmas service at the Cathedral of Aghios Georgios in Istanbul and meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios.