Benghazi Incident Unlikely to Impact Libya-Italy Relations, Says Piantedosi

Rome: Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi affirmed on Wednesday that there will be no lasting consequences after an incident in Benghazi where a group of EU officials, including himself, was prevented from holding talks with Eastern Libyan authorities.

According to Ansa News Agency, Piantedosi explained on Rai television that the meeting was called off due to dissatisfaction from the Libyan side over what they perceived as excessive actions by some EU representatives. He noted that the initial phase of their visit in Tripoli had been productive and informative.

Piantedosi emphasized that those who might view the incident as a victory for indiscriminate immigration are mistaken. He reiterated Italy’s commitment to combating human trafficking and stated that the long-standing cooperation with Libya remains intact despite the incident. He stressed that this isolated event, although serious, would not damage the structured relationship Italy has developed with Libya.