2023-08-28 07:17:44
Last update: 28.08.2023 | 8:17
Related topics:
The office of the Libyan Foreign Minister, Najala al-Mankooshwho was suspended from her post following a secret meeting with the Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Rome, published a statement today (Monday) stating that the meeting was approved by the Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Al-Dabaiba.
According to the publication, Dabaiba met in Rome with the Italian Prime Minister last month and agreed with her to meet with the Israelis. The Italian government promised Al-Dabaiba to operate the Rome-Tripoli line early next month, in exchange for a meeting. Dabaiba asked the Libyan foreign minister to issue a statement that the meeting was accidental, to ensure she would not expose him.
The minister’s suspension happened after strong reactions and spontaneous protests broke out in Libya against the minister, in which Israeli flags were also burned, in protest of the meeting between the two. In Libya, they even published the letter sent to her by Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid al-Dubaiba, who had already appointed a temporary deputy to the position.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Libya clarified that “the foreign minister flatly refused to hold a meeting with any Israeli representative and she still stands by her refusal. What happened in Rome was an unplanned and unofficial meeting – during her meeting with the Italian foreign minister.” It was also reported that Libya still denies normalization with Israel.
The Libyan newspaper “Al-Awast” reported that, according to security sources, the minister escaped on a government plane to Turkey.
Also according to sources in Jerusalem, the meeting between the two foreign ministers took place at the guest house of the Italian foreign minister, but it was not accidental. The meeting was preceded by talks with senior officials in Libya, including the Foreign Minister herself.
Talk today every morning with your email
#Foreign #Minister #suspended #Prime #Minister #Libya #asked #meet #Eli #Cohen #Rome