New York:Cyprus has reiterated its stance against the 2019 Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on maritime delimitation, declaring it "null and void" during a United Nations Security Council open debate focused on "Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security."

According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus' UN representative, Ambassador Maria Michael, criticized the Memorandum, particularly after its recent ratification by Libya's House of Representatives. She stated that the agreement does not comply with international law, specifically the rules related to treaty conclusions and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Ambassador Michael stressed that geographical realities and sovereign rights cannot be altered through arbitrary maritime delimitations. She highlighted Article 121 of UNCLOS, which establishes the maritime zones' rights for islands, reinforcing the importance of these provisions for maritime security and legal certainty.

The debate also addressed the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in enhancing maritime security and crisis response. However, Ambassador Michael warned about the potential threats posed by these technologies, such as cyberattacks and hybrid operations targeting critical maritime infrastructure.

The Ambassador emphasized the need for responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence, guided by human oversight and international law. Cyprus underlined the significance of international cooperation and the Security Council's role in managing the implications of emerging technologies on global peace and security.