New York:Cyprus has reiterated its stance that the 2019 Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime delimitation is "null and void" during a United Nations Security Council open debate on "Emerging Technologies and Maritime Security." The debate was convened by the Greek Presidency.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus' UN representative, Ambassador Maria Michael, stated that the Turkey-Libya MoU does not comply with international law, specifically citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). She emphasized that geography and sovereign rights cannot be altered through arbitrary maritime delimitations, and highlighted that Article 121 of UNCLOS outlines the regime of islands and their entitlement to maritime zones.

Ambassador Michael further stressed the importance of UNCLOS in ensuring maritime security and the peaceful settlement of disputes, asserting that its provisions are binding on all states. Highlighting the Mediterranean as a shared sea, she called for good neighborly relations based on respect for international law and sovereign rights.

Addressing the role of emerging technologies, the Ambassador noted their potential in enhancing maritime security through improved domain awareness and crisis response. However, she warned of the amplified threats posed by such technologies, including cyberattacks and hybrid operations on critical maritime infrastructure. She advocated for responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence, guided by human oversight and international law.

In closing, Ambassador Michael underscored the importance of collaboration and information sharing among states and organizations. She emphasized the Security Council's responsibility in addressing the impact of emerging technologies on international peace and security, ensuring a coordinated approach within the UN system.