Conference on Libya: Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean |

The role of Greece as a force for peace, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region and its readiness to assist in the success of the electoral process in Libya was highlighted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his speech at the Paris Summit, according to government sources.

The Prime Minister noted that Greece is ready to cooperate, both bilaterally and as a member of the European Union with the newly elected government of Libya. He also stressed that Greece is ready to resume talks on a maritime demarcation agreement with a truly representative Libyan government, which will be formed on the basis of the free will of the Libyan people and will respect the rules of international law.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that Greece, as Libya’s neighbor, wants to see the Libyan people live in an environment of security and prosperity, under the guidance of a strong and fully accountable government, free from foreign influences and ties to the past.

He pointed out that a necessary condition for the pacification and stabilization of Libya, without the influence of third parties, is the withdrawal of all foreign troops, foreign fighters and foreign mercenaries as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister congratulated the President of France Emanuel Macron for the organization of the Conference and expressed his satisfaction for the participation of Greece, as Libya’s closest neighbor to the north.

Government sources express satisfaction with the text of the conclusions of the international conference on Libya

Government sources welcome the conclusions of the international conference on Libya, to which the Greek side – in cooperation with partners and especially Egypt – has contributed constructively.

They point out that the conclusions first make clear reference to Libya’s commitment to holding free, inclusive and credible presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December.

Secondly, on the issue of the withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries and troops, for the first time reference is made to a time horizon of removal. They note that there is a clear reference to the “immediate development of timetables”, a phrase to which the Greek side insisted along with other participants. And third, there is a clear reference to Operation IRINI and the work it has done to monitor the arms embargo in Libya.