Italian Foreign Minister: Libya's stability means the stability of the Mediterranean, and Wagner's presence worries Rome.

 Rome, 26 July 2022 (Lana) Italian Foreign Minister Luigi de Maio emphasized Libya's importance to Italy as one of the main priorities of Italian foreign policy, stressing Rome's concern about the Russian presence, especially through the mercenaries of the Wagner Group.

De Maio was briefing the Joint Foreign and Defence Committees in the chambers of the Italian Parliament, the Italian news agency Nova reported Tuesday.

De Mayo said Libya's stability as an interlocutor in the Mediterranean means its stability, so the appointment of a new UN mission to support Libya would be crucial, stressing the importance of managing the transition period after the completion of the tasks of "Stephanie Williams" until the appointment of a new UN envoy.

The Italian Minister pointed out that former Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadom, was one of the names suggested to succeed Williams, but for Italy it is necessary to have a special envoy fully aware and able to mediate between the parties.

The new split with two parallel governments in the country puts Italian projects at risk and does not ease relations with Libya, the Italian Foreign Minister said. He stressed that assistance to the Libyan authorities, was designed to strengthen border control and combat human trafficking. Italy should also play a leading role in holding elections in Libya, de Mayo said.

=Lana=