In response to the worsening crisis in Libya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini chaired a coordination meeting this evening with our embassy and the foreign ministry Crisis Unit. The meeting centred on the country’s prospects for political dialogue and the status of security conditions, with particular regard to Italian nationals and diplomatic mission staff.
The MFA has had a plan for the monitoring and protection of Italians in the highest risk areas for some time now.
Our embassy joined forces with the Crisis Unit in encouraging the precautionary evacuation of many Italian nationals temporarily residing in Libya for reasons of work, who have now left the country on commercial flights. During the early days of the crisis, 4 protected ground convoys were arranged from 17 to 20 July to escort those wishing to take dedicated flights scheduled for 24 and 27 July. To date, a total of more than 120 Italian nationals have left the country. On the request of some governments, Italy has also arranged for the departure of 30 persons of other nationalities.
Our embassy is in the process of contacting all Italian nationals registered as residing in Libya with a view to organising additional transfers, and other flights have already been scheduled for the coming days.
