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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