Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, emphasized the need for Libya’s warring parties to realise that there is no other way than diplomacy to achieve peace in the country.
This statement came after a meeting with his Spanish counterpart, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, regarding the situation in Libya. “During the meeting, we stressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire, and establishing a demilitarised zone in Sirte,” he said.
The Italian FM stressed that Italy has always sought to ensure constructive political dialogue between all parties.
Civil war broke out in Libya after the toppling of long-time leader, Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Numerous militias are fighting for power and influence in the country, with Tripoli-allied militias backed by Turkey, Qatar and Italy. Meanwhile, the eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France and Russia.