[An Nahar] Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis stressed on Friday that her country will not modify its agreement with Israel over the Exclusive Economic Zone, which Beirut and Tel Aviv are bickering over."We have already signed a deal with Israel, we would be very happy if Leb and Israel agreed on the matter, which would facilitate implementing our deal with Israel," Kozakou-Marcoullis told As Safir newspaper.
She revealed that Cyprus is seeking to resolve the dispute, saying: "We are optimistic."
An exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone, in which a state has rights over the exploration and use of marine resources.
A prolonged debate emerged between Leb over the maritime border after the discovery of potential offshore energy reserves as both claims a disputed area consists of about 854 square kilometers.
The Israeli map conflicts with Leb's proposed borders, which give the Jewish state less territorial waters and was submitted to the U.N. in 2011.
Beirut argues its map is in line with an armistice accord drawn up in 1949, an agreement which is not contested by Israel.
"We are looking forward for a solution, it doesn't necessary have to be an agreement between the two" as they are in a hostile state, the FM stated.