While the NATO is still struggling to decide on how to proceed against Libya, Greece seems to have taken its politicaldecisions as to what role it will play in a joined forces operation against Muammar Gaddafi. Greek media reported tonight that Greek armed forces will participate in coalition operations, however not in the operational part targeting Libyan soil. Greece will assist in humanitarian, arms embargo control and no fly zone surveillance missions.
Greece will apparently provide 4 F-16 fighter jets, 1 radar aircraft ERIYE, 2 Super Puma helicopters and 1 frigate, with the possibility for more. Update 24/03 : Greece said it will not provide any F-16 for missions.
The air and naval base at Souda Bay, Crete, and the Aktio Air Base,Preveza, will most likely be used for deployment and refueling but not for bombing take offs.
The fighter jets will control over the war zone, the frigates off the Gulf of Sirte while the Super Puma will perform search and rescue missions. The radar aircraft will operate within Athens FIR.
The decisions were taken earlier today at an extra ordinary meeting with the military, defence and diplomatic leadership of the country under the chairmanship of Prime Minister George Papandreou.
Defence Minister Evaggelos Venizelos stated after the meeting that Greece will comply with the UN resolution and the NATO decisions.
Final decisions will be taken most likely tomorrow after the NATO role is being cleared.
Of course, there is still the question open as to what Athens will do, should the NATO fail to get involved. France opposes a North Atlantic Allinace action against an Arab country. For the time being it looks as if there will be a coalition of Gaddafi-foes under the leadership of UK, France and USA. In this case Souda and Aktio bases will not be used.
On political level, prime minister George Papandreou had atelephone conversation with his Libyan counterpart Al-Baghdadi Ali Al-Mahmoudi and urged him to comply immediately with the UN resolution.
