“There is a need to activate a firmer European stance on Libya… we must work to prevent any foreign interference in the country”, said Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio.
Di Maio announced that negotiations were currently underway to review the 2017 memorandum of understanding on immigration, signed between Italy and the Government of National Accord (GNA). He stated that the issue of human rights remains a priority.
Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Thursday, Di Maio said: “We are confident that the Libyan authorities will cooperate extensively with The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on migration.” He also explained that he had received important clarifications during his recent visit to Tripoli. In fact, Di Maio said that “these agreements were not concluded by the current government” and that the Italian government was “reviewing it to ensure national security.”
Despite the closure of Libya’s borders due to the outbreak of COVID-19, thousands of migrants continue to attempt the perilous journey to Europe. Most use ill-equipped, overcrowded and unsafe rubber boats.
“Through the European IRINI process, we aim to respect the arms embargo imposed on Libya by the United Nations”, Di Maio said. IRINI is an EU mission that aims to stabilise the situation in Libya and support the UN-led peace process. The mission specifically seeks to prevent arms from reaching Libya, as well as preventing the smuggling of oil and people.