Intense backdrop and diplomatic maneuvers involves sequence of events that ended up In leaving Benghazi the European Delegation to Migration, part of which was Thanos Plevris, not finally meeting him Happy Hafett.
According to protothema.gr, the aircraft carrying the European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, as well as the Ministers of Migration of Italy, Greece and Malta, were normally landed at Benghazi International Airport. Officials, who were in Tripoli in the previous hours, landed and drove to the VIP area of the airport, as provided by the diplomatic protocol.
However, there was an unpleasant surprise there. Reportedly, local Libyan officials informed them that the General Happear does not intend to meet them individually, but only in the presence of his government – that is, the so -called “Benghazi government”, which controls the eastern part of Libya.
The reaction of Commissioner Brunner was to state that his mandate is strictly limited to a meeting with Haftar himself and only on issues of immigration policy. And this is because neither the EU Nor do the UN recognize the Benghazi government – the only recognized Libyan government is that of Tripoli, under Abdulhamid Dbaiba.
Brunner’s attitude triggered Hafett’s reaction, who said that without the presence of his ministers, there would be no meeting. The meeting sank on the spot, followed by a diplomatic barrage on the Libyan side: the Benghazi government issued a statement describing European officials – including the Commissioner – as “unwanted persons” (Personae non gratae).
Thanos Plevris returned to Greece shortly after 19:00 and informed the prime minister by phone about what happened. Tomorrow morning the two men will have a scheduled meeting at the Maximus Mansion. Meanwhile, an official reaction is expected by the European Commission as it was a mission of the Commission led by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Brunner, accompanied by 3 Ministers of EU member states.
During the diplomatic processes Libyan officials suggested to Brunner and the script to only see Happear ministers Something that the European Commissioner denied, thus leading the situation to a wreck.
According to reports, the sense of the Greek side is that the haftar movement was “directed”, but now the government is arguing with Europeans. And for a tougher line on the issue of immigration, which will be discussed tomorrow at Mitsotakis-Pleli appointment.
Earlier, the Benghazi government, in its announcement, announced the cancellation of the visit by accusing the three ministers and the European Commissioner for a blatant breach of diplomatic authorities as he points out “not followed by procedures governing the entry and stay of diplomats and foreigners.”
The delegation of the Europe team in tow the Commissioner Brunner, planted and colleagues of Greece and Malta was stopped at Benghazi airport in #Libya as “non -grateful person” pic.twitter.com/8JaFByNur9
– Luca Gambardella (@gambluca) July 8, 2025
Informal translation of the announcement:
PRESS RELEASE
State of Libya – Libyan Government
Statement by the Libyan Government No. (19) of 2025 on the violations of the interior ministers of Italy, Greece and Malta and the European Union’s immigration commissioner
This act constitutes a blatant violation of diplomatic authorities and international conventions, and their behavior represents a lack of respect for Libya’s national sovereignty and is a violation of Libyan laws, as procedures governing the entry and stay of diplomats and diplomats were not followed.
Consequently, the scheduled visits of the interior ministers of Italy, Greece and Malta, as well as the Commissioner for immigration, are canceled, and these missions are informed that it is necessary to immediately leave Benghazi International Airport and Libyan territory as they are considered.
The Libyan Government re -emphasizes all the diplomats and members of international missions and organizations, whether they are governmental or non -governmental, the need for full respect for Libyan national sovereignty, through complete compliance with Libyan laws, international conditions, Agreements, conditions and international recognitions.
Dr. Osama Saad Hamad
Prime Minister of Libyan government
Version in Benghazi, July 8, 2025
Plevris from Tripoli: Crete receives huge pressure and we want to prevent it
Earlier, Plevris had been with the European delegation in Tripoli, saying, among other things, that they would help Libya face the intense migratory problem, which is now affecting Europe. Crete, as underlined, is under tremendous pressure from the east coast and this must be addressed immediately.
“We are here, an EU delegation, with Commissioner Brunner. We want to give a clear message that we will help Libya keep illegal immigrants, prevent departures to the EU, and at the same time return illegal immigrants back home. We will work in this direction. Crete receives huge pressure from the east coast and we want to prevent it. Libya is not far from us, so it affects it, it also affects us, ”the minister of immigration commented.