In diplomacy, as in cinema, the details make the difference. An invitation to dinner is not just ‘food’. It is Mise en Scène where the work of politics is played. To Libya, then, the son of General Happere set up a table for him Greek Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis – A dinner that could open communication channels and make a “good climate”. The answer? “I don’t eat much and I don’t have time.” As if you were saying to Maître of an award -winning restaurant “just bring a tap water”. The incident was highlighted by the Kathimerini’s “Theory” column.
In diplomacy, such denial is not neutral, it is a silent message. And in this particular case, the message was that Athens went without appetite. Literally and metaphorically. In the meantime, on the opposite side, the Recep Tayyip Erdogan proves that he knows how to set up a backdrop like his Godfather . Not only did he sit on the table of Tripoli, but he brought the opposing Libyan factions to … toast the Turkish -tired Memorandum. The absolute twist: Those who do not agree on who ruled the country have agreed to support Ankara.
If you look at it calmly, Greece managed to unite the inner opponents-Amphylus War- in favor of Turkey. Like that scene in Titanic (Titanic), where the orchestra continues to play while the ship sinks – only in our version there is not even background music, only embarrassing statements about “respecting international law”.
And so we have the following tableau:
- Erdogan with his full menu, distributing pieces of pie as a host that leaves no fasting in the case of energy plots.
- Athens with a “friendship” salad and some diplomatic kisses in the air.
The irony? Gerapetritis may not have had time for dinner. The problem is whether Greece has time not to be out of the game – as a spectator in her own neighborhood, who sees from the platform how others play ball on her own stadium.
Because, as Mitterrand said, “in politics the details write the story.” Well, in Libya we lost the story before the first dish was even served.