Latest news with #ToVima
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya-Greece Tensions Rise Over Sea Border Claims
Libya has formally lodged a protest with the United Nations, objecting to Greece's recent claims to maritime zones south and west of the island of Crete. The move marks the first time Tripoli has officially asserted its position in the ongoing dispute over Eastern Mediterranean energy exploration rights. According to Greece's 'To Vima' newspaper, the Libyan diplomatic note was submitted to the UN on 20 June and published on 3 July. It challenges Greece's decision to allocate exploration blocks for hydrocarbons in areas Libya considers contested. At the centre of the dispute is the 2019 maritime memorandum of understanding signed between Libya and Turkey, which Athens considers invalid under international maritime law. Libya's note disputes the 'median line' Greece has used to issue licences in the area, particularly for blocks named 'Crete 1' and 'Crete 2'. Libya argues that the maritime zones in question remain unresolved and should be subject to bilateral negotiations. The diplomatic note includes maps aligning with the Turkey-Libya maritime deal, effectively nullifying Greece's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) south of Crete. Tripoli also accuses Athens of creating de facto realities that harm Libya's sovereign rights by offering exploration rights to firms such as ExxonMobil and Total. The Libyan government contends that over 85% of the 23,300-square-kilometre area advertised by Greece lies within Libya's maritime domain. While Greece insists its actions are legal under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and maintains that islands like Crete generate full maritime rights, it has expressed willingness to negotiate or refer the matter to the International Court of Justice if talks fail. Libya's official protest has added a new layer of tension to already complex energy and territorial disputes in the region. Tags: CreteGreecelibyaMediterraneanun
Saudi Gazette
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Saudi Gazette
State of emergency declared in Crete after wildfire devastates Ierapetra
ATHENS — Greek authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency in parts of Ierapetra municipality after a massive wildfire ravaged eastern Crete, damaging farmland, infrastructure, and prompting the evacuation of over 1,000 people. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday amid dry and windy conditions, scorched thousands of acres of agricultural land and forest along the island's southern coast, according to local reports. The blaze inflicted severe damage to water-supply systems and other critical infrastructure, while displacing residents and tourists alike, the Greek daily To Vima reported. Officials said the emergency declaration will remain in effect until October 2 to facilitate crisis management and accelerate recovery efforts in the affected areas. The fire has since been brought largely under control, but its rapid spread and multiple ignition points have raised suspicions of arson. An investigative team specializing in suspected arson arrived in Crete on Thursday to probe the cause of the blaze. — Agencies
Egypt Today
07-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Sisi arrives in Greece to bolster energy, trade ties before attending Russia's Victory Day celebrations
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets with his Greek counterpart, President Konstantinos Tasoulas, in Athens, May 7, 2025 - Egyptian Presidency/Still image CAIRO – 7 May 2025: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is in Athens today for an official visit to Greece, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. Upon his arrival, Sisi met with his Greek counterpart, President Konstantinos Tasoulas, before holding talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Sisi and Mitsotakis are set to co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Supreme Council of Cooperation between Egypt and Greece. The council is expected to discuss ways to further enhance and develop bilateral relations across various fields, particularly in energy, trade, and economic cooperation, said the Egyptian Presidency. The visit will also witness the signing of a joint declaration on a strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Sisi's meetings with Greek officials during the visit will include discussions on the latest regional and international developments and an exchange of views on issues of common concern. Greek government sources affirm that the visit underscores the commitment of Greece and Egypt to consolidate their positions as pillars of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, reported Greek newspaper To Vima. The officials described the opening session of the two countries' supreme council as a milestone in bilateral relations, with the two leaders expected to outline plans to elevate their already close ties to a strategic partnership level. The anticipated joint declaration will highlight areas of cooperation and coordination, including political mechanisms, trade and investment, infrastructure, connectivity projects, energy security – particularly the Greece-Egypt electrical interconnection project "GREGY" – as well as climate change, defense and security, migration, education, and culture, according to Greek reports. The declaration is also expected to emphasize the alignment based on international law in addressing regional challenges and promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Discussions between Sisi and Mitsotakis are expected to include recent developments in Gaza, Syria, and Libya. Sisi and Mitsotakis met recently in January during a trilateral Egyptian-Greek-Cypriot summit in Cairo. Sisi's visit also comes a year after Egypt and the European Union signed the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in March 2024 in the presence of various European leaders, including Greece. Greece strongly supports the Egypt-EU declaration especially in light of Egypt's pivotal role in regional stability and curbing migration flows. Following his official visit to Greece, Sisi will travel to Moscow to participate in the Victory Day celebrations on May 9, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
