Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi has welcomed the release of the three officials and interpreter from the International Criminal Court held in Libya since 7 June 2012.
“It is thanks also to the efforts and contacts of the Italian Government that we reached the necessary understanding to achieve this positive outcome”, underscored the head of Italian diplomacy. Terzi has followed all stages of the case closely and kept in constant touch with the Italian Ambassador to Tripoli, Giuseppe Buccino.
The Foreign Minister expressed his “strong appreciation for the highly collaborative attitude” of the central Libyan Government. He announced that the four Court officials will return to Europe on a special flight provided by Italy at the request of the Court itself. The flight is scheduled to land in Rome, where the officials will be assisted by personnel from the Farnesina’s Crisis Unit.
Terzi reiterated that Italy places “a fundamental importance on the role and work of the International Criminal Court”. He hoped, in this regard, that “an agreement can soon be reached between Libya and the Court for the trial of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. Collaboration between the new Libya and the Court”, concluded Terzi, “should foster the on-going and increasing consolidation of the rule of law in Libya, to the benefit of all elements of the Libyan people and the stability of the entire region”.