Piantedosi rejected by Haftar because the minister was expelled to Libya: "Persona non grata"
The episode
The European delegation had been to Tripoli, but was turned away for "failure to comply with entry procedures" at Benghazi airport. The visit was canceled.
Rejected and forced to leave the country as "persona non grata." Matteo Piantedosi , Interior Minister in the Meloni government, was also among the European delegation pushed back into eastern Libya , controlled by General Khalifa Haftar . The authorities' statement described them as "persona non grata," a Latin expression used in diplomatic parlance to urge the expulsion of a representative of a foreign country. It's the same expression used to turn away migrants arriving in Europe via the Mediterranean.
The delegation consisted of Piantedosi , the Austrian European Union Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, and the Interior Ministers of Greece , Thanoos Plevris, and Malta , Byron Camilleri. They had met in Tripoli with the Government of National Accord recognized and supported by the United Nations, the rival government opposed by Haftar. The mission was aimed at discussing immigration agreements with both Libyan governments after recent tensions in Tripoli, which had led to days of urban warfare. The delegation was turned away for "failure to comply with entry procedures." The visit was canceled.
Upon the delegation's arrival at Benghazi International Airport, the four were informed of the need to immediately leave Libyan territory "as they were unwelcome." The statement, signed by Osama Saad Hammad, self-proclaimed "Prime Minister of the Libyan Government," states that since the UN recognizes only the Tripoli government, the European delegation is denounced as "a flagrant violation of established diplomatic norms and international conventions" in "disregard for Libyan national sovereignty."
In an "urgent appeal," the Libyan authorities reiterated "once again to all diplomats, members of international missions, and governmental and non-governmental organizations the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the Libyan state, committing to fully comply with Libyan laws, conventions , and international agreements governing diplomatic visits. All interactions with the Libyan government must take place in accordance with these agreements and regulations." Minister Piantedosi returned to Rome; until yesterday, Italy had enjoyed good relations with Haftar.
l'Unità
