Minister for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini renewed her urgent appeal to the parties to the conflict in Libya, and to the entire international community, to seek a settlement that would lead to ending the violence and rebuilding a nation of democratic institutions.
“Libya is at the most difficult point since the revolution and, as always, it is the people who are paying the highest price”, she said.
“Tens of thousands have been displaced, and many citizens and foreigners are leaving Libya. The future of a country so rich in human and material resources is at risk of destruction, she underscored, “we cannot but condemn the violence of recent weeks that has indiscriminately struck residential areas, infrastructures and electrical power and water plants, and that has seen the use of heavy artillery and bombing from the air”.
“Deep friendship and proximity – and not only geographic – bind us to the Libyan people. The Italian embassy remains open for the purpose, among other things, of supporting our community under these dramatic circumstances,” she pointed out.
“Despite the serious clashes at Tripoli and Benghazi and the spread of violence, hatred and mistrust, I believe that the Libyan people and their representatives should muster the political courage to end a conflict for which everyone will pay the price, and be willing to resume dialogue on a negotiated settlement. It is still possible for Libyans to save their threatened future, but I fear it will not be for long. That is why all the countries that, like Italy, care about the fate of Libya, work together and with the same courage to promote a ceasefire and foster a fully inclusive political process”.
“I am in contact with the allies, and in the coming hours will make a new round of telephone calls to my colleagues among the Friends of Libya members, especially in view of tomorrow’s meeting in Cairo of neighbouring countries, and of the discussion planned for the coming days at the United Nations”, Mogherini announced.
