Libyan PM presses EU Envoys over eastern Libya diplomacy

Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah summoned four European ambassadors on Wednesday to demand clarification on the EU’s stance toward the rival eastern government, according to the Libya Observer. The move follows reports that EU and allied envoys may visit Benghazi, stronghold of Khalifa Haftar and home to Libya’s eastern-based administration.

Envoys from the EU, Italy, Greece, and Malta were called in amid concerns the visit could signal recognition of the parallel authority. Dbeibah, who heads the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, has long opposed any gestures that might legitimize Haftar’s administration.

The diplomatic tension follows recent disruptions to planned visits by Western officials. UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer cancelled a trip to Benghazi after refusing Haftar’s condition that eastern officials be present. A similar demand reportedly scuttled a joint visit by the foreign ministers of Malta, Italy, and Greece on July 8.

The episode highlights persistent divisions in Libya and the diplomatic balancing act foreign powers face in engaging both sides.