Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken in Paris today that there is a risk of renewed violence and instability if Libyan elections on December 24 were to be cancelled.
“We also discussed Libya, priority for Italy, and I shared my concerns with Tony,” Di Maio posted on his official Facebook page. ”
If elections in Libya skip, there is a strong risk of new violence and instability, with the effects that could also affect in Italy due to new uncontrolled immigration flows. And we can’t afford it,” he said.
The Italian chief diplomat also warned that any potential destabilization in Libya would have “repercussions that could also affect Italy due to new uncontrolled immigration flows”.
For his part, Antony expressed gratitude for “Italy’s leadership” and “efforts to support stability in Libya”.
Great to meet again with Italian Foreign Minister @LuigiDiMaio. Italy has been an invaluable partner on Afghanistan and a critical leader of the G20 this year. I am grateful for Italy’s leadership on the climate crisis and efforts to support stability in Libya and Ethiopia. pic.twitter.com/TwyFY3QewD
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 6, 2021