Italian PM sides with Greece and Cyprus on east Med dispute

Concerning the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece, as well as the recent signing of the Turkish-Libyan "memorandums", the Italian Prime Minister emphasized: "At the European Council's debate and conclusions, at the request of a Member State, the issue of respect by Turkey,  for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the EEZs of all its neighboring countries will be raised.

The issue, which the European Councils of last June and October have already dealt with (but also the March and June 2018 meetings), comes back to the fore - and not just because Ankara is involved in the Cyprus EEZ. Italy, of course, continues to agree with European support for Cyprus - and as a consequence of the two memorandums that, as we know, were signed by Turkey with the government of the Libyan National Accord in the fields of security and demarcation of their respective EEZs, last year. days. It is important for the European Council to reaffirm its support for the EU Member States that are in the waters of the eastern Mediterranean, as well as a reference to full respect for international law. "

"It is also very important that the aforementioned messages do not turn into a consensus to slow down Libya's stabilization process and to an unlimited postponement of the Berlin Summit, which enjoys Italy's support," Mr Conte added.