Egypt appeals to UN over pact amid diplomatic flurry

Egypt has appealed to the United Nations over a maritime zone pact signed by Turkey and Libya, describing it as illegal, as Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias has embarked on a tour of the Middle East with officials reportedly expressing concern about the ramifications of the accord.

In two letters, addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council, Egypt decried the two memoranda of understanding signed by the governments of Ankara and Tripoli as "illegal and groundless." 

According to diplomatic sources, Cairo has asked the UN not to register the two MoUs. Meanwhile Athens is proceeding with its efforts to diplomatically isolate Turkey, which backs the Tripoli-based government, by blocking a request by the Libyan administration to NATO for help in boosting its defense capabilities.
Greek officials have noted that Turkey's attempt...