Former Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi stated that “Libya cannot be considered a safe haven for migrants because it has not adhered to international agreements that define this concept.”
The remarks came during his testimony at the new hearing of the case of the Spanish NGO Open Arms on Friday, which is taking place in the Palermo court.
“The position I adopted at the time as foreign minister was public and was made on several occasions in response to questions from journalists during press conferences,” Milanesi said.
These statements come in the context of the trial of Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League party and former Italian Interior Minister, who faces multiple charges, including illegal detention of persons for the purpose of exerting pressure, abuse of power, and neglect of official duties. These charges relate to his decision to prevent 147 migrants, rescued by the NGO ship ‘Open Arms,’ from disembarking.
Libya objects to exploration work conducted by Greece near the island of Crete