Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a meeting today, Monday, June 15, at the Maximos Mansion with the Deputy Chief of the General Command of the Libyan National Army, Saddam Haftar. His visit is considered particularly significant as it comes just days after the Technical Committee talks between Greece and Libya that took place in Tripoli, Libya.
Migration, economy and maritime zone demarcation at the center of Mitsotakis-Haftar meeting
According to government sources, during the meeting the long-standing ties between Greece and Libya were reaffirmed, while ways to further strengthen cooperation were examined, especially in the areas of economy and investments. Additionally, there was discussion about the common challenge of illegal migration and the need to strengthen cooperation in the migration sector. At the same time, the issue of maritime zones demarcation and the prospects for related negotiations were addressed.
Saddam Haftar’s visit to Athens: How it nullifies the Turkish-Libyan memorandum
Securing agreement and administration from Khalifa Haftar’s eastern government represents a necessary step for Athens to continue the negotiation process. This would mean referring the EEZ demarcation issue to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which would automatically result in the cancellation of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum.
The most likely successor to Khalifa Haftar
It should be noted that Saddam Haftar is among Khalifa Haftar’s most powerful sons and is considered his most likely successor. From a diplomatic perspective, his presence in Athens is considered particularly significant, as the ties Saddam Haftar had developed with the Turkish government were especially strong, and until recently his visits and meetings in Ankara were frequent. The influence he received largely determined the stance of the Benghazi government toward Athens.
