Kathimerini, one of Greece's leading newspapers, published a remarkable analysis on Türkiye's diplomatic and military influence in Libya. In his article titled "Heraklion (Crete) is waiting, Benghazi is boiling" dated November 1, the newspaper's writer Vasilis Nedos stated that Turkey and the UAE played an important role in the process of restructuring Libya's united army.
According to the news, the relations developed by Ankara with the Khalifa Haftar administration in the east of Libya change the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean and complicate Greece, Egypt and Israel's quest for influence in the region.
WHO FEATURES?
According to Kathimerini's analysis, the main winners of the political developments in Benghazi were Türkiye and the UAE. It was claimed that the two countries jointly undertook the task of restructuring Libya's united army.
The newspaper wrote that Saddam Haftar, one of the senior commanders of the Libyan army, was influential in the process of approval of the Türkiye-Libya maritime jurisdiction agreement by the House of Representatives in Benghazi.
The newspaper also claimed that Ankara promised support to Saddam Haftar regarding the future presidency of united Libya. However, it was stated that the divided structure of the country between tribes and local power centers, especially the opposition in Misrata, made this possibility difficult.
The allegations made by the newspaper regarding these political promises and military arrangements have not been independently verified.
GREECE, EGYPT AND ISRAEL LOST
Kathimerini wrote that Türkiye's diplomatic gains in Benghazi directly affected three countries.
According to the newspaper, the most important development for Greece was the approval of the Türkiye-Libya maritime jurisdiction agreement by the Benghazi administration. Egypt, on the other hand, is disturbed by Türkiye's military influence in the east of Libya expanding to its borders.
It was claimed that Israel could not establish the influence it expected in Benghazi, despite its contacts with Khalifa Haftar and his sons.
Nedos stated that the Haftar family effectively used its bargaining power in negotiations with different countries.
FRENCH SHIP AT ANCHOR IN CRETE
Another topic affected by the Türkiye-Libya rapprochement is the Great Sea Connection (GSI) electricity connection project between Greece and Southern Cyprus.
According to Kathimerini, the French Abeille Marengo ship, which will conduct research on the seabed, is waiting in the Heraklion Port of Crete. In order for research to begin, the relevant NAVTEX announcement must be published.
Nedos wrote that developments on this issue will show the results of the diplomatic contacts between Paris and Ankara in recent weeks. It was stated that France was trying to balance the interests of its companies in the project with Greece's position.
Türkiye CRITICAL PARTNER
In the analysis, it was stated that although the European Union supports Greece in the Türkiye-Libya maritime jurisdiction dispute, it considers Ankara as an indispensable partner in resolving regional crises.
According to Kathimerini's diplomatic sources, Türkiye is in a key position in terms of both ensuring peace in Ukraine and managing new crises that may occur in Iran and the Persian Gulf.
The newspaper evaluated that the midterm elections in the USA and the possibility of a renewed military conflict around Iran could further increase Türkiye's regional weight.
ATHENS' STRATEGIC CONCERNS
Nedos stated that the legal preparations regarding Türkiye's Blue Homeland approach are being closely monitored in Athens. In the news, attention was also drawn to the article by the Commander of the Naval Forces, Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, emphasizing the strategic importance of naval power.
Greek sources stated that Türkiye's development of its naval power played an important role in Athens' decision to strengthen its armed forces in recent years.
The analysis also stated that Greece's Middle East policy is largely based on its relations with Israel and Egypt, but these two countries were unable to direct the developments in Benghazi in line with Athens' expectations.
Nedos concluded his article by evaluating that the political fragmentation in Libya may make it difficult for Türkiye to make its gains permanent, and this may offer new diplomatic opportunities to Greece.
