Former Deputy Leader of Victoria’s Labor Party and ex-Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece under George Papandreou, Demetri Dollis, has been called upon by the Mitsotakis government to assist in mending strained relations between Greece and Libya.
Dollis told Neos Kosmos that he accompanied Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on Sunday to Benghazi for a meeting with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the military commander who controls eastern Libya. While Dollis refrained from sharing details, he confirmed his participation in the high-stakes mission upon returning to Athens.
The appointment of Dollis—a seasoned diplomat with deep ties in the region and a former figure of PASOK-era diplomacy—has raised eyebrows in Greek media and among diplomatic circles.
Dollis’s involvement is seen as a strategic decision, given his longstanding knowledge of the region and historical connections through his PASOK networks, some of which still retain influence in parts of Libya. Sources close to Neos Kosmos suggest his acquaintance with Haftar, which dates back years, played a key role in his inclusion.
Alongside Foreign Minister Gerapetritis, the Greek delegation to Benghazi included the incoming ambassador to Tripoli and senior advisors from the ministry. Dollis’s presence added a layer of diplomatic finesse to a politically delicate visit.
Since resigning from Victorian politics, Dollis has served as Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister (2010–2012) and was earlier appointed a special ambassador and advisor to George Papandreou. Between 1999 and 2003, he served as Secretary for Greeks Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic insiders are abuzz with reports that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis may have appointed Dollis as his advisor on African and Middle Eastern affairs—reportedly a move that has left Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff “stunned.”
Though the extent of his mandate remains to be seen, Dollis has previously been involved in critical evacuations of Greek nationals from conflict zones.
Political observers also point to potential behind-the-scenes influence from Foreign Minister Gerapetritis, who shares PASOK roots with Dollis—hinting at a convergence of old networks in current foreign policy maneuvering.
Gerapetritis: “We Hope for Tangible Results”
From Benghazi, Foreign Minister Gerapetritis told Greek broadcaster ERT that talks with Haftar focused on migration, maritime zones, and bilateral cooperation.
“Libya and Greece share deep historical ties,” he stated, adding that both countries are united in their commitment to international law and a vision for a “Mediterranean of peace and prosperity.”
He expressed hope that this renewed engagement will lead to concrete progress soon.
Meanwhile, a separate EU delegation on migration—which included Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris—faced unexpected resistance in Benghazi, where meetings with Haftar were abruptly cancelled.
According to protothema.gr, EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner and ministers from Greece, Italy, and Malta arrived at Benghazi Airport on Monday, after holding extensive talks in Tripoli. But upon arrival, they were informed that Haftar would only meet them if his entire eastern-based “government of Benghazi” were also present—a condition the EU refused, citing the fact that this administration is not internationally recognised.
Brunner insisted on a direct meeting with Haftar for migration talks, but Haftar’s refusal to compromise triggered a diplomatic standoff. Shortly after, the Benghazi government declared the EU delegation persona non grata and ordered their immediate departure from Libya.
Greek officials suspect the move was orchestrated by Haftar to send a political message. Despite the failed meeting, the Greek side now feels it has a stronger case to push for a tougher EU stance on migration—an issue expected to be discussed in an upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Minister Plevris.
Earlier, Plevris had joined EU officials in Tripoli to offer support in tackling Libya’s migration crisis, stressing its ripple effects across southern Europe, particularly on Crete, which is under severe pressure from migration flows via Libya’s eastern coast.
“We’re here as an EU delegation with Commissioner Brunner to send a clear message: We will help Libya stop illegal migrant departures, prevent human trafficking, and support returns to countries of origin,” Plevris said.
“Crete is under massive strain from arrivals on its eastern shores—this must be addressed. Libya is not far from us; what affects Libya, affects Greece,” he added.
