Stabilising Libya a top objective: Italy

Rome Jan 11 (IANS/AKI) Stabilising conflict-wracked Libya is a priority for the Italian government its Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said on Wednesday - one year to the day after Italy reopened its embassy in Tripoli.

"Stabilising Libya is a priority objective for Italy. Reopening the Italian embassy in Tripoli a year ago was crucial in order to support at close hand Libya s authorities in the difficult task of stabilising the country " he said.

The "important investment" made by Italy "has borne important fruit" Alfano said recalling it was first country to reopen its embassy in turmoil-hit Libya.

"Our active presence in Tripoli underlines the important political investment and strong bilateral cooperation in efforts to stabilise Libya and the Mediterranean region " he tweeted.

Italy s Ambassador to Libya Giuseppe Perrone returned to his post on January 10 2017 when the embassy reopened - the first diplomatic mission to reopen in Libya after it closed in 2015 and repatriated its staff citing "growing instability" in the conflict-wracked country.

Alfano thanked Perrone his staff and "all civilian and military personnel" at the embassy for the "great job" they did each day "in a complex and challenging context" and said the government "stood by their side".

--IANS/AKI
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