Italy calls for strict observance of truce in Libya

ROME

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Tuesday called for ensuring the strict observance of the cease-fire in Libya.

After meeting Libya’s interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh on his first trip abroad, the Italian premier said they had addressed migration and economic cooperation between the two countries.

“Being able to proceed with courage and decisiveness it is a prerequisite that the cease-fire must continue and be strictly observed,” Draghi said at a joint press conference with Dbeibeh.

Dbeibeh’s new UN-backed unity government was installed last month with a mandate to prepare the country for a national election in December.

Draghi stressed that migration is not only a geopolitical issue, but also a humanitarian one.

He also reminded that the problem involved not only the Libyan coasts but also its southern borders.

“The European Union has the duty of helping the Libyan government [on migration issues],” Draghi said, expressing satisfaction for Libya’s rescue activity.

Libya has been torn by civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

On Feb. 5, Libya's rival political groups agreed during UN-mediated talks in Geneva to form an interim government to lead the country to elections this December.

During his visit to Tripoli, Draghi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.

The Italian premier said the aim of the trip is to have Italy play a lead role on the stabilization of the north African country and to sign a series of agreements for economic investments and health sector cooperation to combat COVID-19.