Libya: Greece, Jordan Back Egypt's Efforts to End Crisis

Following recent statements by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Libya, Greece and Jordan reaffirmed their full support to Cairo's efforts to resolve the crisis of Egypt’s western neighbor country. 

Greece renewed its call on Sunday for a political solution to the Libyan crisis, stressing the need for a ceasefire in the war-torn country.

[caption id="attachment_132905" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Sisi, Greece's FM Discuss Situation in Libya and Regional Files[/caption]

Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexandros Yennimatas stressed that his country strongly supports the immediate ceasefire and the solution of the Libyan crisis through political efforts.

"We recently expressed our support for Egypt's efforts in this direction, and we affirm this position,” he added.

Greece Slams Turkish Interventions in Libya

Greece had previously criticized the Turkish interventions in Libya, stressing its rejection of the security agreement between Ankara and the Government of National Accord in Tripoli, which constituted a pretext for these interventions.

On Monday, the Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, stressed that "The memorandum of understanding invoked by Ankara to interfere in Libya is rejected.”

In turn, European Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell called on Turkey to "Reduce escalation" in the African country.

In addition, the foreign ministers of Egypt and Cyprus on Sunday renewed their criticism of the Turkish position in Libya, considering that the Turkish measures exacerbated the tensions.

In the meantime, Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, confirmed, Sunday, that the Hashemite Kingdom fully stands with Egypt in the face of any threat to its security and stability, noting that Egypt's security is Jordan's national security.

https://twitter.com/ForeignMinistry/status/1274710030428880898

Safadi said during a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, that ”Egypt's security is a pillar of the security and stability of the entire region, and every effort must be made to stop the fighting in the oil-rich country."

"The two ministers stressed the necessity of joining all efforts to solve the crisis politically with the agreement of the parties to the crisis as soon as possible and to ensure Libya's security, stability, territorial integrity and the interests of its people based on the Skhirat Agreement, the Berlin Conference and the Cairo Declaration consistent with resolutions of the Berlin Conference,” said the Jordanian Foreign Ministry in a statement published on its official website.

[caption id="attachment_133206" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] President Abdel Fattah El Sisi[/caption]

In a related context, President Sisi stressed Saturday Egypt’s full readiness to provide support to the Libyan people, adding that “We in Egypt have great respect and appreciation and have not interfered in Libya’s affairs and always ready to provide support, for the sake of Libya’s stability.”

Sisi Stresses Libya's Stability Importance 

He affirmed that Egypt “Has no interests” in Libya, but security and stability, adding that “Cities of Sirte and Al-Jufra are red lines.”

“Only the people of Libya will defend their country and Egypt is ready to help and support them.”

Addressing the Libyan tribal leaders, President Sisi said that “We have neither invaded other countries, nor assaulted states’ sovereignty.”

“We respect Libya, so we have not interfered in your affairs… However, the situation is now different as the Arab, Egyptian and Libyan national security are unstable.”

It’s noteworthy that the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States has received a request from Egypt to hold an emergency meeting to discuss developments of the situation in Libya. 

Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, said that “The Egyptian delegation called for an emergency virtual meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers.”

The Assistant Secretary pointed out that coordination is currently underway with the Sultanate of Oman to set up the date of the meeting. 

“It’s expected that the meeting may be during the next week,” Zaki added. 

He stressed that the Egyptian request must obtain the support stipulated in the internal system by several countries in order to hold the emergency meeting.