A diplomatic exchange between Greece and Libya unfolded during a recent session of the UN Security Council, highlighting renewed tensions over disputed maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. The meeting, which focused on developments in Libya, included pointed remarks from both countries’ Permanent Representatives to the United Nations.
Libya Rejects Accusations of Provocation
Libya’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, pushed back against claims that his country had provoked tensions, following reports of planned research activity in contested waters. Addressing the council, El-Sonni insisted that “Libya has undertaken no provocation”, and asserted that the real provocation lies in announcing plans to conduct research in a disputed area.
In an effort to ease tensions, the ambassador reiterated Libya’s commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation, emphasizing that even amid internal political divisions, both Western and Eastern Libyan authorities had issued joint statements condemning unilateral actions in the contested zone.
Greece Stresses Dialogue and International Law
Greek Permanent Representative, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, affirmed Athens’ willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Libya on all bilateral matters, including maritime delimitation. Speaking to the Security Council, he underlined that Greece seeks peaceful resolution through international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“We are ready to participate in a constructive dialogue to address all outstanding issues with our Libyan counterparts,” Sekeris said, warning that statements or actions that go in the opposite direction are clearly unhelpful. He cautioned that the region does not need new sources of tension at a time of already heightened instability.
Exchange Clarifies Positions
Following Libya’s use of the word “provocation,” Ambassador Sekeris exercised his right of reply to clarify that he had not made such an accusation, noting that the term had not been used in his original remarks. He emphasized that Greece advocates resolving all matters in accordance with international legal frameworks.
Ambassador El-Sonni later acknowledged the clarification, stating that he had interpreted Sekeris’ remarks as opposing provocative statements. “We want diplomacy,” El-Sonni added. “We are friends, and we will find ways to resolve this issue.”
UN Urges Calm Amid Libya’s Fragile Stability
The exchange came during a wider UN Security Council session on Libya, where UN Special Representative Stephanie Khoury Tete delivered a sobering assessment of the country’s political and security landscape. Tete described Libya as being at yet “another critical crossroads”, pointing to recent armed clashes in Tripoli and growing public distrust in existing institutions.
She highlighted the formation of a new ceasefire monitoring committee and a temporary security commission as positive steps, but warned that the ceasefire remains fragile, and the overall security situation “unpredictable.”
Tete also expressed concern over civilian casualties, damage to hospitals and schools, and alarming reports of human rights violations, including mass graves and extrajudicial killings, particularly in the Abu Salim area. The continued proliferation of weapons, she said, remains a serious threat to both civilian safety and long-term peace efforts.
In closing, Tete urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unilateral moves that could trigger further instability. She called on the international community to support a political process rooted in citizen participation and to hold accountable those who obstruct peace or incite violence.
