By Stefanos Nikolaidis
His decision Lebanon to approve, after almost two decadesthe demarcation of maritime borders with her Republic of Cyprus constitutes a development with broader geopolitical significance for her Eastern Mediterranean.
At meeting of cabinet her Thursday, October 23under President Joseph Aoun and him Prime Minister Nawaf Salamwas approved demarcation agreementwhere was already signed from the 2007 but it had never been sanctioned.
According to her announcement presidency of Lebanonthe next step will be the framing the frame application her agreementas well as continuation of consultations with the Syriawith which the Lebanon has not yet been delineated maritime borders. The Lebanese Minister of Energy, Joe Sandeghe even announced visit in Cyprus on November 10where it is expected to be and joint statement for the next steps.
A decision that changes the balance
As they point out in skai.gr well-informed sources, this decision of Lebanon is not nor simple nor self-explanatory.
“After 18 years, Lebanon suddenly decides to ratify an ancient agreement. And this is not a formality – it is a demarcation agreement based on the middle line, i.e. a principle that gives full rights to Cyprus and is in stark contrast to Turkish positions in the region».
OR agreement of 2007 between Cyprus and Lebanon it had not been sanctioned then due to intense internal reactions at Beirut. Some politically and religious parties they thought that the demarcation affected the context of maritime borders with it Israel.
The legal and technical problem was located in one small sea trianglewhich could cause claims on his behalf Tel Aviv. This issue has been resolved 2022 with American mediationopening it road for her reset her agreement at table.
The Turkish factor – and why the moment is critical
Diplomatic sources remind that the Turkey had actively intervened at that time, proposing to Frankincense to border with her – ignoring her Cyprus.
“Ankara had submitted proposals to Lebanon to bypass Cyprus, proposing demarcation “on paper” with Turkey. But Lebanon now, adopting the middle line and proceeding with Nicosia, completely ignores those proposals».
OR this new attitude her Beirutthe same sources add, recommends strong blow in Turkish foreign policy in Eastern Mediterranean.
“It is a very serious blow to the Turkish policy of the well-seated. Lebanon accepts the middle line, so it accepts the full influence of Cyprus and, indirectly, Greece in the logic of the demarcation of the region”.
American role and regional message
Although there is no official position from the Washington, diplomatic analysts they estimate that behind the Lebanese decision there is distinctive American role.
THE Lebanoncountry with serious internal and financial challengesseeks to stabilize the exploitation context of of undersea hydrocarbon depositsstrengthening his position in energy map her Eastern Mediterranean.
OR agreement with her Cyprusas long as it progresses to a level validation from the parliamentswill pave the way for new energy synergies in the region — at a time when the Europe is looking for alternative energy sources beyond her of Russia.
The next day for Greece and Cyprus
For her Nicosiaevolution constitutes decisive consolidation step her Cypriot EEZ and confirmation her legitimacy of agreements her with the neighboring states.
For her Athensthis move is part of a broader picture of diplomatic isolation her Ankara in matters maritime lawas well more and more countries in the region choose its methodology midline.
“It is a development that leaves room for improvement for us and shows that the middle line methodology can be a basis for understanding in the Eastern Mediterranean“, characteristically comment Greek diplomatic sources.
OR upcoming visit of Lebanese Minister of Energy in Cyprus on November 10 expected to seal the new era on relationships of two countries.
OR move her Beiruthowever, exceeds the bilateral dimension: constitutes indication of redeployment of forces in Eastern Mediterraneanwhere the energetic and the diplomatic game seems to be gaining again dynamics — this time with clearly more favorable terms for Nicosia and Athens.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
