Positive messages, but they need daily confirmation, was received by the Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis During his short visit to Benghazi, where he met with the powerful man of East Libya, Haftarall three of his sons, who have taken over the army, the economy, the rebuilding and the political contacts.
Athens estimates that there was a first good step in reconnecting the two sides, to highlight the opportunities in the relationships, as well as the importance of the Libyaand especially for the east side, the continuation of good relations with Greece. And the Happy side showed to acknowledge that Greece’s initiatives and movementsboth autonomously and under the UN Security Council and the EU, can help and benefit Libya, and at the same time understands what would mean negative relationships with our country.
To migratorydiscussed at the meeting with General Haftar, there was a willing cooperation. However, there are serious obstacles, such as lack of media and infrastructure, as well as difficulties in dealing with traffickers and border guarding with Egypt. In this context, Greece has offered to provide information from the surveillance of marine areas outside Libya’s territorial waters.
At the same time, during a visit to Tripoli and Benghazi on Wednesday, the EU Migration Commissioner, together with the Ministers of Migration of Greece, Italy and Malta, will present a specific framework for providing know -how and infrastructure to address the problem.
Much of the conversations covered the subject of zone. The axes on which the Greek side moved were both to prevent movements such as the possible ratification of the Turkolibyan Memorandum and the launch of discussions on the demarcation of marine zones.
According to reports, the Libyan side, responding to Greek intervention, showed that it would not want to change the attitude of Eastern Libya in relation to the Turkolibycus. There has been a positive reaction, and, according to the same information, Benghazi argues that a committee has been set up in the parliament that will review all Libyan maritime zones in search of ways to use the country’s natural resources. In this context, there was a positive response to the start of talks.
On the Greek side, however, there was a restrained optimism that there would be no unpleasant surprises in the near future. Greek position was clear: Athens will not accept a new accomplishment and a possible ratification of the Turkolibyan Memorandum would create new, serious problems.
It is indicative, however, of the importance that Benghazi attributes to relations with Greece, the fact that the general himself Happywelcoming the Greek Foreign Minister, expressed the desire to visit the Athens. At the first meeting were both of his sons: The Saddamwho is now the informal commander of the Libyan national army, and the Al -Sandikwho is his father’s political adviser.
George Gerapetritis, shortly afterwards, met with Belgashim Happythe other son of the general, who essentially controls the Eastern Libyan economy as head of the Reconstruction and Reconstruction Organization. Belgashim Happy addressed a call to Greek business To participate in the projects planned to start in his country.
The meeting also discussed financial and trade relations, with the Greek minister announcing that there will soon be a Greek business mission in Benghazi. At the same time, other areas of cooperation, exchanges, as well as the reunion of Greece – Benghazi with direct air and maritime connection, were also examined.
Interest now turns to her movements Benghazi next time, in order to establish the positive climate that emerged from the conversations. At the same time, G. Gerapetritis’ visit to Tripoli on July 15 is expected with interest, where there is now a serious political problem. The Dbabba government is being taming and is targeted by even its former supporters.
This situation has also raised concern in Ankara, which – despite the restoration of relations with East Libya – supports its political and military influence in Libya through the Dbabba government.