Eastern Libya-based government declares European delegation ‘persona non grata’

By Muetaz Wannes and Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) – East Libya-based government on Tuesday declared a European ministerial delegation “persona non grata.”

In a statement, the government, led by Prime Minister Osama Hammad, said it scrapped a visit to Benghazi city by the interior ministers of Italy, Greece and Malta and the EU commissioner for migration due to “violations.”

The statement said that their visit was canceled upon the delegation’s arrival at Benina International Airport in Benghazi, notifying them that they are “persona non grata” and must leave Libyan territory immediately.

The government did not specify the nature of the violations, referring only to what it called a “blatant breach of diplomatic norms and international conventions” and “actions that demonstrated a lack of respect for Libyan national sovereignty.”

It also accused the delegation of “violating Libyan law” and failing to follow the required procedures for the entry, movement, and residency of foreign diplomats.

The statement urged diplomats and members of international and non-governmental organizations “to respect Libyan sovereignty by adhering to the country's laws and the international protocols governing diplomatic visits.”

It emphasized the importance of reciprocal treatment in foreign relations, in line with international agreements and diplomatic conventions.

Libya remains divided between two rival administrations: one led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in Tripoli, which controls the west of the country, and another appointed by the House of Representatives (parliament) in early 2022, led by Hammad and based in Benghazi, which governs the east and much of the south.

The UN continues to mediate efforts to unify governance and hold national elections in the country.