Italy: We seek to play a “mediating role” between Haftar and Dabaiba

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirelli said that his country is trying to play a mediation role between Cyrenaica and Tripoli through their meetings with the Dabaiba government and the American Khalifa Haftar, with the aim of easing tensions.

Cirelli said, in statements to the Italian “Nova” agency, that his country is currently playing the role of mediation, because it enjoys excellent relations with all parties, noting that they recently discussed with Haftar the possibilities of intervention and support from Italy in accordance with the Mattei Plan and how to manage illegal immigration flows.

He continued by saying, “We always stress that there is not only a security approach towards Africa, but there is, first and foremost, an approach linked to international cooperation. We need excellent relations with all parties and ensure that tensions are eased.”