TRIPOLI, June 20 (Reuters) - Libya's internationally

recognised government of national unity has objected to

Greece's approval of an international tender for hydrocarbon

exploration off the island of Crete, saying some of the blocks

infringed its own maritime zones.

The two countries have been trying to mend relations

strained by an accord signed in 2019 between the Libyan

government and Greece's regional rival Turkey, which mapped out

a sea area between them close to the Greek island.

Greece opposed the agreement, saying it had no legal basis

as it sought to create an exclusive economic zone from Turkey's

southern Mediterranean shore to Libya's northeast coast,

ignoring the presence of Crete.

Last month Athens invited bidders for hydrocarbon

exploration in two blocks south of Crete following an expression

of interest by U.S. major Chevron ( CVX ).

Libya's Tripoli-based foreign ministry said in a statement

late on Thursday that some of the tendered sea blocks off Crete

fell within disputed zones and were "a clear violation of

Libya's sovereign rights".

The ministry objected "to any exploration or drilling

activities in these areas without a prior legal understanding

that respects the rules of international law", it said, calling

on Greek authorities to prioritise dialogue and negotiation.

A senior source in Greece's energy ministry said Athens had

adhered to the international law of the sea and its government

was committed to discussions "within the framework of

international legitimacy". The source declined to be named due

to the sensitivity of the matter.

Greek foreign minister George Gerapetritis is expected to

visit Libya in the coming weeks, an official with the Greek

foreign ministry told Reuters on condition of anonymity.