Italy’s foreign minister made an unannounced visit to the Libyan capital, Tripoli, yesterday where he held talks with Fayez al-Sarraj, prime minister of the country’s internationally-recognised government.
The trip by Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday came weeks after forces loyal to the UN-brokered Government of National Accord (GNA) repelled a 14-month-long offensive by eastern-based renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar.
Di Maio and al-Sarraj in their statement stressed the need to resume the political process and end foreign interference. in Libya, according to a statement released by the GNA prime minister’s office.
Di Maio also told reporters that he conveyed to al-Sarraj Italy’s concerns about a possible attack on Sirte, which he said could lead to renewed fighting and more civilian casualties.
He stated how essential it is to avoid a freezing of the conflict, and that this possibility would lead to a de facto division of the country,” he said as Africa-News reported.
Earlier this week, Di Maio said the need for a ceasefire is urgent given the Egyptian threat and called for the strong enforcement of the arms embargo, in place since 2011. Africa-News reports.