Libya – Prime Minister Osama Hamad announced the cancellation of a visit by the Italian Interior Minister, the Greek Interior Minister, the Maltese Interior Minister, the EU Commissioner for Migration and their accompanying team after they landed at Benghazi International Airport, informing them that they must leave Libyan territory immediately and declaring them persona non grata.
Visit Cancelled for Breaching Diplomatic Norms and Libyan Law
In an official statement received by Al-Marsad, Hamad said the decision was prompted by what he called “a flagrant violation of diplomatic conventions and international charters,” adding that the delegation’s conduct was deemed disrespectful to Libyan national sovereignty. He also cited failure to comply with Libyan laws and the procedures governing the entry, movement and residence of diplomats as set out in the government’s recent circular.
Government Reiterates Respect for Libyan Sovereignty and National Legislation
The statement renewed the government’s call for all diplomats and international delegations—governmental or otherwise—to respect Libya’s sovereignty, to observe national legislation and the international norms regulating diplomatic visits, and to deal with the government on the basis of reciprocity as stipulated by relevant agreements and treaties.
