Lebanese MP defends maritime economic zone, threatens UN action

[A] Member of  Parliament [in Lebanon] Mohammad Kabbani, said that the maritime borders are not subject to negotiations, declaring that Lebanon would refer to the seventh chapter of the U.N. charter if it did not take its right. 



Kabbani's remarks came Tuesday in a statement at the Parliament in which he welcomed Cyprus Speaker of Parliament Yiannakis Omirou's visit to Lebanon. 



Kabbani stressed keenness on Lebanon's friendship with Cyprus as a neighbor country, pointing out to the historic relations and economic interests, last is the issue of underwater oil and gas resources, which the two countries have in common. 



He added that they have to clarify some facts to the Cyprus seniors because "when they signed an agreement with the Israeli enemy, the agreement cut out about 865 Km2 of our waters in the economic zone." 



Kabbani explained that the Lebanese economic zone is clearly demarcated on the maps of the Lebanese Army, Ministry of Oil and the British Bureau, endorsed by the British Parliament and sent to the U.N., stressing that this would not be changed by any agreement. 



Kabbani reiterated, "if this issue would not be solved through the United States and Cyprus and Lebanon was not completely given its right, we would, surely, go to chapter seven of the U.N. charter."