There are no alternatives to UN mediation on birth of “a new political phase”
“The meeting of the Mediterranean Group was aimed at formulating a common stance on the Libyan crisis. We are united in our firm support of United Nations mediation, the goal of which is to reach an agreement between the parties on a government of reconciliation by the start of the coming week”, said the minister.
Paolo Gentiloni summarised the results of the meeting of the Med Group held in Paris with his French, Portuguese, Spanish, Greek and Cyprian colleagues, and the participation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini.
Gentiloni underscored that there were “no alternatives” to the UN’s attempts to “give birth to a new political phase” in Libya, on which to construct the various economic, logistical and observation stages.
Strong EU engagement needed on immigration
The theme of immigration, not least in light of the serious crises under way in the Mediterranean and Middle East, in addition to the situation in Libya, was the focus of the meeting of the 17 countries of the Mediterranean Group”, Gentiloni reported, “who insist on maximum European Union engagement on the theme of immigration”.
The Minister said that “there was an initial response yesterday to the Italian government’s request for reinforcement of the Triton operation and, also upon Italy’s request, the next ministerial meeting of the Med Group will be held in Rome. The main organisations concerned with the Mediterranean are to meet on the same day.
