Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday proposed four-way talks between Turkey, Italy, Egypt, and Libya to work t...

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday proposed four-way talks between Turkey, Italy, Egypt, and Libya to work through disputes over continental shelf boundaries in the Mediterranean, notably leaving Greece and Cyprus out of the proposed framework entirely. Fidan said the talks would include a discussion of Egypt's concerns about the Turkish-Libyan maritime boundary deal, the agreement that has drawn sharp objections from Athens and Nicosia since it was first struck with western Libyan authorities seven years ago. He confirmed the proposal reflects President Erdogan's position as well, and said he had already relayed it to his Egyptian counterpart. The foreign minister pushed back on criticism following this week's ratification of the deal by eastern Libya's administration, arguing the pact is already legally valid regardless. He accused Greece of working to undermine it through EU channels, saying the activity from Athens was "clearly visible" and, in his words, "understandable." Fidan expressed open surprise at the backlash the ratification triggered, framing the controversy as unnecessary given that the agreement has technically been in force since it was originally signed. The move by eastern Libya to formally endorse it has reignited tensions across the Eastern Mediterranean over who holds maritime rights to contested sea zones. The proposed format conspicuously excludes the two countries most vocal in opposing the deal. Greece has argued the Turkish-Libyan maritime boundary violates international law by cutting across the Greek island of Crete's natural maritime zone, while Cyprus has raised similar objections about its own exclusive economic zone. #Greece #Turkey #EasternMediterranean