Cyprus reiterated its position that the 2019 Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on maritime delimitation is “null and void” during a United Nations Security Council open debate on “Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security,” thanking the Greek Presidency for convening the meeting.
Referring to the Turkey-Libya Memorandum, particularly following its recent ratification by Libya’s House of Representatives, the representative of Cyprus Ambassador Maria Michael stated that “this purported agreement is null and void, does not comply with international law, and in particular, the rules pertaining to the conclusion of treaties as well as UNCLOS.”
“Geography cannot be changed, nor can the sovereign rights of states be disregarded through arbitrary maritime delimitations,” the representative stressed, adding that “Article 121 of UNCLOS clearly establishes the regime of islands and their entitlement to maritime zones.”
Ambassador Michael emphasized that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is fundamental to maritime security, legal certainty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, noting that its provisions reflecting customary international law are binding upon all states. “The Mediterranean is our common sea. Its security and stability depend on good neighborly relations grounded on respect for international law and the sovereign rights of all coastal states,” the representative said.
Addressing the main theme of the debate, the representative noted that artificial intelligence can enhance maritime domain awareness, early warning, crisis response, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, while also supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, as well as ceasefire and sanctions monitoring. At the same time, the representative warned that emerging technologies can amplify existing threats, including cyberattacks and hybrid operations targeting ports, shipping, submarine cables, and energy infrastructure.
In this context, the Ambassador stressed that the development and deployment of artificial intelligence must be conducted responsibly and ethically, guided by “meaningful human oversight, transparency, and accountability.” Cyprus reaffirmed its position that “technological progress must remain anchored in international law,” particularly the UN Charter and UNCLOS.
Concluding, Ambassador Michael highlighted the importance of information sharing, capacity building, and cooperation among states, international organizations, and the maritime industry. The representative also emphasized the Security Council’s role in addressing the implications of emerging technologies for international peace and security, while ensuring coherence across the United Nations system.
“Our collective objective must be to ensure that emerging technologies strengthen maritime security while remaining firmly grounded in international law, human oversight, and international cooperation,” she concluded.