Russian presidential envoy, Italy FM to discuss Libya situation

ROME, July 26 (Itar-Tass) -- Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini
and Russian Presidential Representative for Africa Mikhail Margelov, who
will arrive in the Italian capital on Tuesday, will discuss the situation
in Libya, spokesman for the Italian Foreign Ministry Maurizio Massari told
Itar-Tass on Monday.
He noted that the interlocutors will discuss the prospects for the
development of events in Libya and the ways to settle the armed conflict,
in which Italian and Russian diplomats are the mediators. "Finally Rome
and Moscow have an identical position on many aspects of the situation in
Libya," Massari said, recalling about the recent meetings and contacts
with members of Muammar Gaddafi's government and the Transitional National
Council of the rebels in Benghazi that were held in the capitals of both
countries.
"High-ranking officials from Russia and Italy will have the first
meeting devoted completely to the Libyan dossier that is a perfect
opportunity to share their positions on the recent events," the spokesman
said.
Italy is involved in a NATO military operation in Libya. The Italian
Defence Ministry reported that Italian warplanes were involved in 30
missions in the last few weeks, but Rome assured that Italian fighters had
never participated in the bombings of Gaddafi's suspected shelter and were
not involved in the air raids over the settlements.
The Italian ruling coalition has some disagreements over the Libyan
military operation. Lega Nord, which is an ally of the ruling party The
People of Freedom, demands to complete as quick as possible an Italian
military mission that requires redundant expenses. Meanwhile, Italy makes
relief supplies to the civilians in Benghazi and Misrata and intends to
transfer 350 million euros to the Transitional National Council for the
needs of Libyan people at the expense of Libyan assets frozen in Italy.
Italy's official position on a possible future of the Jamahiriya leader
has changed drastically. Franco Frattini said at a recent meeting with Ali
al-Isawi in the Italian capital that Italy is ready to accept any decision
of the Libyan nation.
"If the negotiations result in an accord on the future of the country
we will accept any decision. The Libyan people should decide whether
Gaddafi will leave the country or not, rather than the international
community and Italy," Frattini said. Meanwhile, he noted that Libya is not
among the countries, which joined the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court that means the country does not abide by the commitments,
including an arrest warrant. The International Criminal Court has issued
an arrest warrant for Gaddafi. "However, this does not mean that Gaddafi
is to go unpunished for his crimes," Frattini added.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stated he had always opposed
any military interference in Libya. Berlusconi succeeded to conclude the
friendship agreement with Gaddafi's rule three years ago. The treaty
seemed to leave Libya's colonial past behind. The treaty envisages the
privileged access of Italian companies to the key economic sectors of the
country. The effect of the treaty is suspended, but Rome is seeking to
secure guarantees that a new government and the rebels will observe all
previous agreements on absolutely favourable terms for Italian companies.
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