This afternoon, around 14:30 CEST, two military aircraft landed at Benghazi’s airport: an Italian Air Force Airbus VC-319A (reg. MM62174) and a Hellenic Air Force Embraer ERJ-135LR (reg. 209, callsign HAF352V). Both aircraft originated from Tripoli, Libya.
On board were the Ministers of the Interior of Italy and Greece. Also present was the European Union Commissioner for Migration, while the Maltese Minister of the Interior reportedly arrived on a separate aircraft.
Upon their arrival in Benghazi, the planned visit was abruptly canceled by the Libyan government, which also ordered the delegations to leave the country immediately, declaring them unwelcome.
A strong official statement was released by the Libyan government, which reads:
The Libyan government reiterates to all diplomats and members of international missions and organizations the obligation to respect Libyan sovereignty. This must be done through full compliance with Libyan legislation, international treaties, diplomatic protocols, and international norms governing diplomatic visits. Such visits must be coordinated in advance with the Libyan government and conducted in full adherence to applicable legal and international standards.”.
“Regarding the violations committed by the Interior Ministers of Italy, Greece, and Malta, as well as the EU Commissioner for Migration: the conduct of these officials constitutes a clear violation of diplomatic norms and international agreements, a blatant disrespect for Libya’s national sovereignty, and a breach of Libyan laws—particularly the procedures governing the entry and stay of foreign diplomats, as outlined by the circulars issued by the Libyan government.
Accordingly, the planned visit of the Interior Ministers of the Republics of Italy, Greece, and Malta, and the EU Commissioner for Migration, has been canceled. These delegations were requested to leave Libyan territory immediately upon their arrival at Benghazi’s Benina International Airport and were informed of the need to depart without delay, as their presence was deemed unwelcome.
Around 16:45, the aircraft subsequently departed from Benghazi.
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