Latest news with #GeorgeKatrougalos
Libyan Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
Greece seeks Egyptian intervention over Libya-Turkey maritime agreement
BY Libyan Express Jun 05, 2025 - 23:58 Updated: Jun 05, 2025 - 23:59 Greek Foreign Secretary George Katrougalos Greece is reportedly preparing to ask Egypt to help prevent eastern Libya from ratifying a maritime agreement with Turkey, according to Middle East Eye . Greek Foreign Secretary George Katrougalos is expected to discuss the matter with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati during meetings scheduled for next Wednesday, the British-based news website reported. The potential ratification by Libya's eastern government, led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad and backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar, could significantly alter the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean. The region has become increasingly important as nations seek to develop natural gas reserves. Should eastern Libya endorse Turkey's maritime claims, it would mark a substantial diplomatic victory for Ankara's efforts to expand its influence in the Mediterranean. Such a move would also align all Libyan factions with Turkey's position on territorial waters. The eastern Libyan government's potential support for the Turkey agreement would conflict with the existing 2020 maritime accord between Egypt and Greece. Whilst Egypt did not fully recognise all Greek claims to exclusive economic zones around Greek islands in that agreement, significant portions of it contradict the Turkey-Tripoli deal. According to Middle East Eye, Haftar and his associates are currently working to strengthen relationships with Turkish officials. The report suggests they may delay any formal decision on the maritime agreement rather than immediately approving or rejecting it. The situation highlights ongoing tensions over territorial claims and energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, where multiple nations have competing interests in establishing maritime boundaries and extraction rights. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Scoop
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Iceland: Social Rights And Safety For All Must Remain A Top Priority, Says UN Expert
Reykjavík, 28 May 2025 The Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, George Katrougalos, today urged Iceland to close remaining protection gaps for migrants, persons with disabilities and trans people. 'Iceland stands out globally as a model for equality, progressive governance and human rights. Ensuring access to social rights and safety for all must remain a top priority,' Katrougalos said in a statement at the end of his visit to the country. He raised several issues related to migration, including family reunification and the use of solitary confinement in particular for migrants in pretrial detention. The expert stressed the importance of Icelandic institutions adapting proactively to evolving societal needs, particularly those arising from increased migration and the growing impact of tourism. Katrougalos warned against the rise in disinformation and hate speech, particularly online and targeting religious groups among migrants as well as trans persons. He underscored that the national action plan to combat hate speech – presented in 2023 – had not been adopted and urged Iceland to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the issue. The expert raised concerns about involuntary psychiatric treatment and called for stronger legal safeguards to protect the rights of patients and vulnerable groups. Katrougalos noted important legislative reforms aimed at addressing gender-based violence. He urged the government to step up efforts to ensure that all cases of abuse are investigated by the police and prosecuted, and that victims receive adequate support. 'Iceland stands out globally as a model for its leadership in gender equality,' the expert said. 'The country's progressive governance shows how a small nation can have a global impact.' Katrougalos also welcomed Iceland's commitment to international human rights protection. 'Increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) rather than reducing it, in the current context, is exemplary,' he said. The Independent Expert will present a full report to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.
