Italy intends to reopen its consulate in Benghazi after about five years of closure due to security reasons, according to Italian diplomatic sources.
The General Commander of Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has been in Italy on 5 December and agreed with Rome to return its diplomatic mission to Benghazi.
Italy suspended activity at its consulate in Benghazi and withdrew staff for security reasons in 2013 after a gun attack on its consul Guido de Sanctis.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on De Sanctis’s armored car in Benghazi, the diplomat was unhurt.
Earlier this month, Giuseppe Buccino was appointed as the new Italian Ambassador in Tripoli, replacing Giuseppe Perrone, who will head Rome’s diplomatic mission in Iran, according to Italian media outlets.
The replacement of Perrone was necessary after his statements about the “right time for elections in Libya” outraged the government and public opinion that accused him of interfering in the country’s internal affairs. He was sent back to Italy on 10 August and since then he has not returned to Libya.
Libya is a high priority for Italy in terms of border security and economic relations. The two Mediterranean countries have historic strong ties in different fields.
Last month, Palermo hosted an international conference to discuss security and stability in Libya, inviting the key political sides in the North African state. Rome tries to play mediator among Libyan rival groups aiming to find a solution to the conflict and division plagued the country since 2011 following the ouster of long-time dictator Muammar Qaddafi.
