Lebanon’s cabinet approved the maritime border demarcation with Cyprus yesterday, reviving an agreement that has been pending since 2007.
The Lebanese Parliament must now ratify the deal.
The cabinet also agreed to retender oil and gas exploration rights in maritime Block 8 during the session at the Presidential Palace, chaired by President Joseph Aoun and attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
The move could bring significant developments in regional energy exploration and cooperation, according to a post by Observe Lebanon.
“As Lebanon faces its own economic challenges, establishing maritime borders may strengthen its negotiating position in potential resource extraction,” the post stated.
2007 agreement defined six boundary points
The demarcation agreement defined the maritime exclusive economic zone with a “median line” establishing six points along an approximately 95-nautical-mile boundary, from Point 23 in the south to Point 7 in the north. Uncertainties remained around points 1 and 6, and the issue was placed “on hold” pending completion of demarcations with neighbouring countries Syria and Israel.
Lebanon and Israel signed a US-brokered maritime border agreement in October 2022, resolving a dispute over the Karish and Qana gas fields. Under that agreement, Israel retained full rights to the Karish field whilst Lebanon received full rights in the Qana field, though Israel will receive royalties through a side agreement with French company TotalEnergies for portions extending beyond the agreed boundary.
Syria resolution key to finalising Cyprus border
The disagreement near Point 7 in northern waters involves a tripoint with Syria. Maritime data shows Syrian offshore blocks currently overlap with approximately 652 square kilometres of Lebanon’s northern waters, whilst Lebanese claims extend into about 69 square kilometres of Syrian-designated areas.
Lebanon’s Works Committee had recommended inviting foreign experts and legal officials, including natural resources experts, to clarify technical and legal issues regarding surface area calculations.
The Lebanese government called for careful technical and legal review before making any new commitment or signing with Cyprus, as the issue has clear sovereignty dimensions and may affect demarcation with Syria.
Eastern Mediterranean energy potential
The Levant Basin is estimated to hold about 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 122 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas. Lebanon’s energy needs are met by more than 90% imported petroleum, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s total merchandise imports.
Lebanese Blocks 1, 3 and 5 overlap with Cypriot blocks by distances ranging from 233 metres to 4.8 kilometres, whilst some Cypriot blocks intrude up to 1.1 kilometres into Lebanese waters.
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