The United States Embassy in Libya confirmed on Tuesday that it held talks in Rome last week with senior Libyan officials from both eastern and western factions. The announcement came after Italian media reported rare direct contact between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU).
In a statement published on X, the embassy said: “It was an honor for the United States to have the opportunity to engage with senior Libyan officials from both east and west in Rome last week.” The embassy stressed that the aim of the discussions was to encourage Libyans to rise above political divisions, unify state institutions, and work toward peace and stability. These, it added, are essential conditions for rebuilding Libya’s economy and securing prosperity for its people and international partners.
Italian media reported that the Rome meeting brought together Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander of the LNA, and Ibrahim Dbaiba, an advisor to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba, with US presidential advisor Massad Boulos present.
According to the Nova news agency, the talks covered sensitive issues including security, military coordination, political reconciliation, and energy cooperation. The Italian daily La Repubblica reported that Italian officials also maintained direct contact with both delegations during the discussions.
Sources cited by Nova described the Rome encounter as the first face-to-face meeting between figures closely aligned with Libya’s rival factions, a development considered highly significant amid growing calls for a new unified government. The UN mission to Libya has repeatedly urged rival administrations to overcome the current deadlock and agree on a transitional authority capable of organizing long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections.
The talks in Rome took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions in Tripoli, where armed groups have mobilized in recent days, raising fears of renewed clashes. The UN has warned all sides to halt provocations immediately and avoid actions that could endanger civilians.