Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad has accused Italy and other European countries of “ignoring those who are truly creating stability on the ground in Libya,” despite their repeated statements about the importance of peace and reconstruction in the country.
In an interview with Italia Press, Hammad said that development in Libya came to a standstill after 2011 but has recently begun to recover through cooperation between his government and the Libyan National Army under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
He noted that reconstruction projects are well underway in the east, citing progress in Benghazi with the construction of new bridges, public buildings, and the Tika International Airport, which has reached 60 percent completion. The first phase of Benghazi’s new port is finished, he added, and work is ongoing on a large sports stadium.
Hammad highlighted that Derna, devastated by catastrophic floods two years ago, has been rebuilt into a modern city with upgraded infrastructure and new housing. Reconstruction, he said, has also extended to southern and central regions including Ajdabiya, Brega, Sirte, and Murzuq, which he described as safe and stable.
Addressing irregular migration, Hammad said the army and his interior ministry have established reception centers in eastern Libya to provide medical and humanitarian assistance before repatriating migrants.
However, he criticized the lack of genuine European cooperation, accusing Western governments of “refusing to engage” with his administration while supporting the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, whose mandate has expired.
Hammad further accused the United Nations and some Western powers of perpetuating division by not recognizing his government and interfering in political appointments. He claimed that around 80 percent of Libyan territory is now under the control of the Libyan National Army.
Responding to Italian concerns about Russian influence, Hammad said Libya is a sovereign nation with the right to cooperate with any partner that serves its national interests, whether that is Russia, the United States, or Italy.
He concluded by inviting the Italian government to open direct talks with his administration, saying that “negotiating with only one side will never produce real solutions.”
