Intense behind-the-scenes diplomacy and maneuvering marked the sequence of events that led to the departure of the European delegation on migration from Benghazi, which included Greek Minister Thanos Plevris, who ultimately did not meet Khalifa Haftar.

According to protothema.gr, the aircraft carrying the European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, along with the Interior Ministers of Italy, Greece, and Malta, landed as scheduled at Benghazi International Airport. The officials, who had previously been in Tripoli, disembarked and were escorted to the airport’s VIP lounge, as per diplomatic protocol.

However, they were met with an unpleasant surprise. Libyan officials informed them that Field Marshal Haftar was unwilling to meet them individually and would only receive them in the presence of his entire government – that is, the so-called “Benghazi government,” which controls eastern Libya.

Commissioner Brunner responded that his mandate strictly limited him to a one-on-one meeting with Haftar, focused exclusively on migration policy. This was due to the fact that neither the EU nor the UN recognizes the Benghazi-based government – the only internationally recognized Libyan government is that of Tripoli, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.

Brunner’s stance triggered Haftar’s reaction, who made it clear that no meeting would take place without his ministers. The meeting collapsed on the spot, followed by a diplomatic offensive from the Libyan side: the Benghazi government issued a statement declaring the European officials – including the Commissioner – personae non gratae and requested their immediate departure from the country.

Thanos Plevris returned to Greece shortly after 7:00 PM and is briefing the Prime Minister on the incident. The two are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning at the Maximos Mansion. Meanwhile, an official response is expected from the European Commission, as the visit was an EU mission headed by Commissioner Brunner and accompanied by three EU member state ministers.

During the diplomatic discussions, Libyan officials proposed that Brunner meet only with Haftar’s ministers – a suggestion the Commissioner rejected, ultimately derailing the mission.

According to sources, the Greek side believes Haftar’s move was “staged.” However, the incident now provides the Greek government with a strong argument for pushing a tougher line on the migration issue, which will be discussed in tomorrow’s Mitsotakis-Plevris meeting.

Earlier, the Benghazi government issued a statement canceling the visit and accusing the three ministers and the Commissioner of a gross violation of diplomatic norms, claiming that “procedures governing the entry and stay of diplomats and foreigners, as set by Libyan government decisions, were not followed.”

Informal Translation of the Official Statement:

PRESS RELEASE
State of Libya – Libyan Government

Statement No. (19) of 2025 by the Libyan Government regarding the violations committed by the Ministers of Interior of Italy, Greece, and Malta and the EU Commissioner for Migration

This act constitutes a blatant violation of diplomatic principles and international conventions. Their conduct reflects a lack of respect for Libya’s national sovereignty and constitutes a breach of Libyan laws, as the procedures governing the entry and stay of diplomats and foreigners were not followed, as stipulated by the Libyan government’s decisions.

Consequently, the scheduled visits of the Interior Ministers of Italy, Greece, and Malta, as well as the EU Commissioner for Migration, are cancelled. These delegations are informed that they must immediately leave Benghazi International Airport and Libyan territory, as they are now considered personae non gratae.

The Libyan Government reiterates to all diplomats and members of international missions and organizations, governmental or non-governmental, the necessity of fully respecting Libya’s national sovereignty by adhering to Libyan laws, international treaties, and recognized procedures for organizing delegation visits, and the obligation to cooperate with the Libyan government based on applicable agreements, treaties, and international recognition.

Dr. Osama Saad Hamad
Prime Minister of the Libyan Government

Issued in Benghazi, July 8, 2025

Plevris from Tripoli: “Crete is under enormous pressure and we want to stop it”

Earlier, Plevris had visited Tripoli with the EU delegation, stating that they would assist Libya in tackling the acute migration issue, which increasingly affects Europe. It was stressed that Crete is under immense pressure from the Eastern Coast and that this must be urgently addressed.

“We are here, an EU delegation, with Commissioner Brunner. We want to send a clear message – that we will help Libya contain illegal migrants, prevent departures toward the EU, and at the same time ensure the return of illegal migrants to their home countries. We will cooperate toward this end. Crete is under immense pressure from the Eastern Coast, and we want to prevent this. Libya is not far from us, so whatever affects Libya also affects us,” the Migration Minister said.