Unanimously, with 31 votes in favour, the House Plenary approved the ratification of the agreement on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Cyprus and Lebanon. The agreement was signed on 26 November in Beirut by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Lebanon’s Minister of Transport, in the presence of the Lebanese President.

DISY MP and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Harris Georgiades, expressed satisfaction with what he described as a development of major importance for Cyprus’s national interests. He stressed that the new agreement is not less favourable than the 2007 arrangement but more beneficial, as it expands the Cypriot EEZ and ensures legal certainty.

He added that Parliament is sending a message of friendship to Lebanon and called on the EU to recognise that such initiatives advance European interests as well. He noted that if Turkey wishes to participate in regional cooperation frameworks, it can do so by demonstrating respect for international law.

DIKO MP Chrysanthos Pantelides described the agreement as a historic development, saying it carries “only positive elements.” Despite attempts at obstruction by Turkey and Hezbollah, he said, Cyprus has concluded an agreement that increases its waters compared to 2007 and finalises delimitation with Lebanon, Israel and Egypt, covering a maritime area six times larger than Cyprus itself.

He expressed hope that Lebanon’s government will stabilise, address Hezbollah’s influence, and enable the full utilisation of Cyprus’s natural resources.

AKEL MP Giorgos Loukaides called the agreement a positive step that strengthens the country’s sovereign rights, which Turkey continues to challenge. He said the government had given assurances that nothing negative arises for the Cypriot EEZ.

However, he criticised references made to Hezbollah and Israel, stating that “it is incomprehensible to create misleading impressions,” and underlined that the EEZ has not expanded to the extent some MPs suggested.

DIKO MP Christiana Erotokritou urged all parties to acknowledge that the agreement achieves a long-standing national objective. “I do not believe that today is the time to discuss terrorist organisations,” she said, emphasising that Cyprus implements the law of the sea in cooperation with neighbouring states.

VOLT Nicosia MP Alexandra Attalidou welcomed the agreement as highly significant, noting that delays were due to instability in Lebanon and to opposing forces there. She urged caution in public statements to avoid provoking reactions, as Lebanon has not yet completed its internal approval procedures.

AKEL MP Christos Christofides referred to the “important work that began in 2007” under the Tassos Papadopoulos administration and continued during the presidency of Dimitris Christofias, stressing that many coordinated efforts in the past contributed to the current outcome.

AKEL MP Aristos Damianou said the positive development is rooted in the strength of international law and the law of the sea. He emphasised, however, that all prospects will remain theoretical “unless we achieve the liberation and reunification of our country,” so that the obstacle of Turkish occupation does not continue to hinder the exploitation of offshore resources.

DIKO MP Christos Orphanides expressed strong satisfaction, describing the agreement as very important and beneficial for both Cyprus and Lebanon. He acknowledged the work undertaken by successive governments and all those involved since the Papadopoulos administration.