Greece Warns of Turkish Scheme to Establish Military Bases in Libya

On Saturday, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that his country seeks to thwart Turkey’s scheme to establish military bases on the coast of Libya in areas close to the Greek island of Crete.

In a statement, Dendias said that they seek to prevent the establishment of a Turkish military base in Libya, noting that all Libyan shores opposite the Greek island of Crete must be safe and are controlled by regular forces not groups of militias and mercenaries.

The Greek minister added: "We hope that Fayez al-Sarraj's government will revoke the agreements and memoranda it signed with Turkey regarding maritime areas, and other agreements of a military nature."

He also stressed that the United States “refuted Turkey’s claim that it is a cornerstone of the presence of NATO in southern Europe and the Middle East region,” as Ankara has always claimed that it is the main pillar of the NATO.

Dendias pointed out that "the sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department on Turkish ministries and officials will affect the current balance over time, in light of the internal political and economic crisis that Ankara suffers from."

Regarding the file of European-Turkish relations, the Greek foreign minister expressed his belief that Ankara “will continue to move away from Europe, in light of pursuing a policy that undermines the security of European Union countries and threatens stability in the Mediterranean basin.” He stressed that “Turkey cannot establish any relationship with Europe, or enter the European market, without being bound by the rule of law and human rights."

Dendias also confirmed his country's openness to any talks with Turkey, "but in the appropriate political climate to conduct such a dialogue between the two parties."