Greece, Italy and Malta interior Ministers evicted out of Libya, together with an EU migration commissioner

The Eastern Region Government of Benghazi in Libya has abruptly cancelled the visit of three interior ministers from Greece, Italy and Malta, declaring them persona non grata.

The Benghazi government then proceeded to throw the diplomatic delegation out of the country.

The three visiting ministers together with the European Union Commissioner for Migration, were unceremoniously sent back upon their arrival at the Benina International Airport, in Benghazi.

In an unexpected move, the Libyan officials claimed that there have been some ‘violations,’ allegedly committed by the European delegation and demanded their immediate departure from the Benghazi territory.

However, no further details have been officially released yet, but the incident marks a sharp diplomatic shift, especially amid ongoing migration discussions between Libya and the European Union.

There was an official statement from the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government, Dr. Osama Saad Hammad which stated that there have been ‘violation of Libyan domestic laws and the failure to adhere to the stipulated procedures governing the entry!’

“Regarding the Violations Committed by the Ministers of Interior of Italy, Greece, Malta, and the European Union Commissioner for Migration, the delegation contravened the established diplomatic norms and international conventions,” reads part of the statement.

“And that was through actions that demonstrated the disregard of Libyan national sovereignty,” the Prime Minister maintained in the written dispatch.

“Consequently, the scheduled visit of the Ministers of Interior of the Republics of Italy, Greece, and Malta, and the European Union Commissioner for Migration, along with their accompanying delegation, was rescinded upon their arrival at Benina International Airport in the city of Benghazi,” said Dr Hamad.

According to reports, the foreign delegation was duly informed of the imperative to depart from the Libyan territory forthwith and was declared persona non grata.

The Prime Minister added that the Libyan Government reiterates its urgent call upon all diplomatic agents, members of international missions, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to uphold and respect Libyan sovereignty by strictly adhering to Libyan legislation and the international conventions and norms governing diplomatic visits.

“Furthermore, they are urged to engage with the Libyan Government in accordance with the principle of reciprocity, as enshrined in international agreements, treaties, and diplomatic custom, as well as the residency of foreign diplomatic personnel, as outlined in the circular issued by the Libyan Government!”