A political settlement that stabilises war-torn Libya and ensures its sovereignty, unity and the rule of law is "essential", Italy's foreign minister Luigi Di Maio told the Mediterranean Dialogues virtual forum on Wednesday.
"It remains essential to achieve the objective of Libya's unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty through a comprehensive political solution that benefits the country's entire population," Di Maio said in his opening address.
"For Italy, Libya's stability and re-establishing the rule of law throughout the country are priorities of absolutely crucial importance."
Italy welcomes the agreement announced by the United Nations that Libya's warring sides have agreed to hold elections within 18 months, Di Maio recalled. The UN announcement came on 11 November as 75 Libyan participants chosen by the global body met in Tunis.
"Now we have a road map towards an overarching solution to the crisis and a goal of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December 2021," said Di Maio.
Di Maio called on nations to prevent further meddling in Libya's affairs - both external and internal.
"The obligation remains for the entire international community to respect and protect from foreign and internal interference the space for dialogue that Libyans have managed to create at this critical stage," he said.
Italy has significant business interests in Libya and aims to play a prominent role in international efforts to stabilise its oil-rich former colony, where foreign powers including Russia and Turkey wield growing influence.
