Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the latest developments in Libya during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing the need to push the political process towards free elections that would end foreign interference and presence in the country.
Both sides underlined their commitment to international law in the delimitation of maritime zones and agreed that controlling irregular migration flows is a shared priority, according to the Greek newspaper Efimerida.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
