Greece stresses need for political solution in Libya
Greece insisted that a political solution must be found to the situation in Libya, as foreign ministers from 40 countries agreed in London that NATO should take over the command of the military effort to enforce a no-fly zone over the North African country.
The London Conference on Tuesday was attended by 40 Foreign Ministers from around the world, the Secretaries General of the UN and NATO, and representatives of the Arab League.
Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas outlined Greece?s interpretation of the conference?s aims.
?The London Conference had three objectives: The international community reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the UN Security Council?s resolutions, and particularly with regard to an immediate ceasefire and stopping the violence against Libya?s civilian population,? he said.
?We committed ourselves, once again, to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Libya, and a political process was started for the day after, so that the Libyan people can take the future into their own hands.?
Droutsas said that the conclusions of the meeting were in line with Greece?s positions.
?I would like to note that Greece and its prime minister underscored from the very outset the need to find a political solution to the Libyan crisis and for the future of the region,? he said.
?Greece has a voice in all the proceedings. It has a presence and will contribute by utilizing its relations with and influence in the region.?
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Defense Minister Evangelos Venizelos revealed that Greece?s supporting role in the Libya operations would cost the country 6.5 million euros a month.
He also said that Greece had no intention of taking an active role in military operations or any possible land effort.
