George1 on Wed Feb 08, 2017 5:23 pm
The growth of Russian influence in the Mediterranean
According to French newsletter «TTU» in the article «Méditerranée: le« grand remplacement »», with the rapidity that distinguishes the Russian foreign policy, as well as using the Syrian model Moscow enjoys a strategic vacuum, which was formed in Libya because of the procrastination of European diplomacy as well as the uncertainty of foreign policy of US President Trump project administration. Russia also uses and the void created by Western diplomats in Egypt. Moscow systematically promotes its shape, strengthening cooperation in the field of security and defense with the countries of the region.
In Egypt, after the signing of major contracts for the purchase of arms in 2015 of 5 billion euros and the modernization of the local defense industry companies, Russia is negotiating on granting of Egyptian military bases, primarily naval and air base at Sidi Barrani. This convergence has continued in the diplomatic dimension: the common views of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the Syrian issue (in countering Riyadh) and Libyan cases (in support of Marshal Khalifa Haftar).
Russian support of Marshal Haftar, which was discussed during the "meeting of the sea", against the government of national unity, expressed in the ongoing negotiations for the purchase of arms worth about 1.5 billion euros (combat aircraft, tanks, air defense systems), as well as proposals for reform of the Libyan army. As a reciprocal gesture Moscow is in talks to obtain naval bases, which will give Russian Fleet parking lot, bred west than its Syrian and Egyptian bases.
"Pearl Necklace", which will allow the Russian fleet to ensure a permanent presence in the Mediterranean, while the US Navy also did not leave the water. In political terms, Moscow is pushing marshal Khalifa Haftar for a meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarrayem in Cairo.
With Algeria, which is an important customer of the Russian defense industry, and the time has come to strengthen the security arrangements. In Morocco, with which Moscow has signed several agreements in the field of security in the past year, particularly with regard to the fight against terrorism, are showing interest in Russian bombers and submarines. Upon its return to the Middle East, Russia is prepared to stay a long time in the Mediterranean region.
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2421361.html