Latest from Libya Review
Libya Review
25 minutes ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Can Benghazi Become Italy's Main Economic Gateway to Libya?
A delegation of around 80 Italian business leaders recently arrived in Benghazi to take part in the Libya–Italy Economic Forum for Reconstruction and Development, signaling a renewed Italian interest in engaging with eastern Libya's economic revival, according to Italy's Nova news agency. The forum marked a turning point in economic engagement between Italy and eastern Libya, bringing new momentum to bilateral trade and investment. According to Nova, the Italian business leaders arrived aboard the first direct ITA Airways flight from Rome to Benghazi. The event, co-organized by the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Libyan Reconstruction and Development Fund, led by Belgassem Haftar, focused on building partnerships in vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, and industrial manufacturing. Benghazi, once heavily affected by conflict, presented itself as a city in transformation. Nova noted that the Italian delegation visited the newly inaugurated Benghazi International Stadium and the rebuilt University of Benghazi, both symbols of post-war recovery. The skyline of Benghazi is now filled with cranes and ongoing construction projects, with Nova describing it as a dynamic urban landscape comparable to Dubai in the 1980s or Shanghai in the early 2000s. Multiple memoranda of understanding were signed with 98 Italian companies, including major names such as Iveco, Todini, Termomeccanica, and Renco. These agreements target cooperation in sectors ranging from transport and healthcare to environmental solutions and energy management. Nova emphasized that this initiative reflects Italy's strategy of establishing long-term, high-quality business partnerships in eastern Libya. Nicola Colicci, head of the Italian–Libyan Chamber of Commerce, launched a permanent office in Benghazi during the forum, declaring Italy's intention to maintain a stable presence. 'We're not here as short-term visitors,' Colicci said. 'We want to build something lasting with Libya.' This economic forum, supported by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund, is seen as a milestone in repositioning Benghazi as a central hub for foreign investment, with Italy now rising to second place among Libya's top trade partners after China, according to Nova. Tags: benghaziEconomic ForuminvestmentItalylibyaReconstruction
Libya Review
4 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libya Deports 176 Chadian Migrants from Kufra
On Saturday, Libya's Department for Combating Irregular Migration in Kufra deported 176 undocumented migrants of Chadian nationality. In a statement, the department said that the deportation operation targeted individuals who were found to have legal violations, including those with security-related restrictions, those diagnosed with serious or contagious diseases, and others involved in cases of human smuggling and irregular migration. This move is part of Libya's broader strategy to address the persistent challenges posed by irregular migration, especially in southern border regions like Kufra, which serve as key entry points for migrants attempting to reach northern Libya and, ultimately, Europe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that over the past ten years, more than 100,000 migrants in Libya have been assisted in returning to their countries of origin across Africa and Asia. The returnees include nationals from 49 countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, and Bangladesh. Among those repatriated since 2014, the majority—approximately 73,000—have been men. However, the IOM has also facilitated the return of around 17,000 women and over 10,000 children, many of whom were unaccompanied minors. These figures reflect the scale and human complexity of Libya's role as both a transit and host country for migrants fleeing conflict, poverty, and instability. Currently, the IOM estimates that the number of migrants residing in Libya could exceed 800,000 by the end of 2025. As this number grows, Libyan authorities face increasing pressure to regulate migration flows, enforce immigration laws, and collaborate with international organizations to ensure humane treatment and safe returns for migrants.
Libya Review
4 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Turkey Reaffirms Legality of Maritime Agreement with Libya
On Saturday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Libya is fully consistent with international law, amid renewed criticism from European Union officials. Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in a press release that Turkey will not accept any unilateral actions that undermine its legitimate maritime rights. He emphasized that the memorandum of understanding, signed between Turkey and Libya's internationally recognized government, was legally sound and aligned with principles of international law. Keçeli denounced what he called politically motivated remarks from the European Union, asserting that such statements fail to contribute to peace or regional stability. 'The EU continues to make biased claims based on political motives rather than legal reasoning,' he said. He specifically criticised Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, accusing them of attempting to impose maximalist claims in the Eastern Mediterranean through EU mechanisms. 'These efforts contradict international law and fairness,' he said, adding that the two governments are using EU institutions to promote national interests that infringe on others' rights. Turkey, Keçeli continued, urges the EU to act as a neutral body and to encourage its members to comply with international law, rather than taking sides in complex legal and geopolitical matters. The 2019 agreement between Turkey and Libya aimed to delineate exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it has triggered strong objections from neighboring countries, particularly Greece, which argues the deal ignores the rights of Greek islands. Despite the criticism, Ankara insists that the deal was a legitimate response to attempts to marginalize Turkey's maritime rights in the region. Keçeli concluded that Turkey remains determined to defend its interests peacefully and legally, and to continue cooperation with Libya under the existing agreement. Tags: CypruseuGreecelibyaMaritime AgreementTurkey
Libya Review
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyan Parliament Criticises US Deportation Plan
The Foreign Affairs Committee of Libya's House of Representatives has strongly condemned reported attempts by the United States to deport migrants and individuals with criminal records to Libya, calling the move a 'blatant violation of national sovereignty.' In a statement issued on Wednesday, the committee declared its outright rejection of what it described as an 'unacceptable intervention in Libya's internal affairs,' asserting that any attempt to force the country to accept individuals involved in crimes or legal violations constitutes a breach of international diplomatic norms. 'We categorically refuse any efforts to impose individuals who pose a criminal or security threat onto Libyan soil, regardless of their nationality or legal status,' the committee stated. The warning comes amid reports that US authorities are considering deporting individuals who entered the country illegally and were later found guilty of criminal activity, with Libya reportedly listed among the potential destination countries. The committee stressed that any unilateral action by US government agencies to repatriate individuals to Libya would be met with firm political resistance. 'Should this measure be implemented, we will recommend the adoption of serious political countermeasures, which may escalate if necessary,' the statement warned. Libya, it added, 'must not be treated as a dumping ground for the domestic problems of other nations,' criticising what it called the 'insistence on treating Libya as a convenient outlet for internal burdens faced by the US.' The committee reiterated that such actions would undermine Libya's sovereignty, disrupt fragile diplomatic relations, and pose significant risks to national security. The House committee called on all state institutions to closely monitor the issue and prepare a unified response to safeguard Libya's territorial integrity and legal independence. Tags: Deportationlibyamigrantsus
Libya Review
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Condemns Calls for Violence Against Staff in Libya
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed deep concern over recent statements by certain Libyan political figures who, according to the mission, appear to not only endorse public protests but actively encourage illegal actions against UN staff and property. In a statement, the mission warned that 'campaigns of incitement and disinformation' could signal efforts to derail political progress aimed at holding national elections, unifying state institutions, and achieving lasting peace in Libya. UNSMIL called on all parties to uphold the peaceful nature of demonstrations, refrain from unlawful actions, and resolve disputes through constructive dialogue. The mission referenced the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and its agreement with Libyan authorities, which guarantee the inviolability of UN premises. It urged full respect for the UN's facilities, staff, and assets in accordance with international law. The statement follows an incident last Tuesday, when protesters stormed the UN mission's compound in Janzour, west of Tripoli, shortly after UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh delivered a briefing to the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya. Videos circulated on social media showed demonstrators demanding the expulsion of the UN mission and the resignation of the Government of National Unity led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba. In response, UNSMIL met with a delegation representing the demonstrators from the western region. The mission noted that the group voiced their frustration with the continued political and economic deterioration across Libya. Reaffirming its 'unconditional respect' for the right to peaceful protest, UNSMIL stressed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with all Libyans. The mission said it had received petitions from protesters during previous demonstrations and would continue to do so, promoting mutual respect and open discussion. Tags: Janzourlibyatripoliununsmil
