As the war drums are beating against Muammar Gaddafi, former socialist friend Greece declares ready to join forces against Libya. Athens most likely will play an important role in a military buildup and intervention due to its strategic naval and air force base Souda on Crete. However Greece is waiting for a clear NATO mandate on the issue.
“We are ready to assist, in collaboration with partners and our allies to respect the international legitimacy,” said Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas after a meeting with National Defence Minister Evaggelos Venizelos on Friday morning.
“UNSC resolution is a strong signal and a clear warning that there must be an immediate ceasefire and attacks against civilians must cease immediately” Droutsas stressed, adding “Greece believes that the aim of all must be a solution to the crisis in Libya, restoring stability and smooth transition to democracy through a broad dialogue between the components of the people of the country.”
it has not been clear whether Greece will just facilitate NATO and other forces or will get a more active role.
Currently there is a NATO meeting taking place in the Brussels headquarters. In order for NATO to implement last night’s United Nations Security Council resolution for a no fly zone over Libya, the North Atlantic alliences needs “an obvious need, a peripheral support and a clear legal legitimation.”
After NATO decision, Greek National Council on Foreign Policy is expected to convene Friday afternoon, at 6:00 pm.
Souda Bay on the island of Crete is a strategic Greek, US and NATO naval and air force base . It is most likely that Greece will serve as a military base for a NATO military intervention in Libya.
Beginning of the month US warships docked at the Souda bay and later departed. Currently three German frigates are docked there.
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