Greece and Libya to Begin Maritime Zone Talks 'Very Shortly,' Foreign Minister Says

Greece and Libya volition statesman authoritative discussions connected defining their maritime boundaries "very shortly," Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis announced, a important improvement successful a portion marked by competing vigor and territorial claims.

In a vigor interrogation implicit the weekend, Mr. Gerapetritis said method committees from some nations are acceptable to meet. He besides noted his ain upcoming meetings this week with representatives from some of Libya's rival administrations.

"Greece is the lone European state engaging astatine the highest level with leaderships of some Libyan sides," helium said.

The overseas curate highlighted that the contentious 2019 maritime statement betwixt Turkey and a erstwhile Libyan government, which Greece deems illegal, has inactive not been ratified by the Libyan parliament.

Regarding relations with Turkey, Mr. Gerapetritis said that portion important differences remain, a structured dialog betwixt Athens and Ankara implicit the past 2 years has helped to de-escalate tensions successful the Aegean.

He reaffirmed that Greece volition ne'er negociate connected issues of nationalist sovereignty.

Mr. Gerapetritis besides defended the government's stance connected Palestinian statehood, stating that Greece supports a two-state solution and volition admit a Palestinian authorities astatine a clip deemed due to beforehand a governmental colony nether U.N. auspices, alternatively than done a unilateral declaration.