The terrorist attack at the Foreign Ministry in Tripoli, claimed by ISIS, demonstrates how the stability of the country is still far away and that it is necessary that Italy put more efforts in that country, taking a proactive role before Libya sinks into chaos. Preventing ISIS from owning strongholds in North Africa should be in the interest of all European countries (some of which are certainly not exempt from responsibility for the current Libyan situation) and a strong Italian initiative should be supported by the EU’s economic contribution. In any case, for Italy the stability of Libya is a priority also in the perspective of safeguarding important national interests. The Italian government must increase its support to the Government of National Accord recognized by the UN, keeping open dialogue with other actors such as General Haftar, but without ever losing sight of the goal of preserving an ally and a strong business partner in Tripoli, especially in the oil sector. Libya needs a serious plan, with a concrete international collaboration in the fight against ISIS, but that also includes a stabilization path for which Italy must have the courage to assume leadership and, if necessary, even to invest in unilateral initiatives to ensure Tripoli’s security and to stabilize the peace process

Tatiana Basilio
President of Laran