Italy replaces diplomat to Libya

ITALY named a new ambassador, Giuseppe Buccino, to Libya after the previous ambassador, Giuseppe Perrone, was removed for security reasons several months ago.

Buccino returns to Libya following a previous term there when he served as ambassador from September 2011 until February 2015, the Libya Observer reported.

Perrone, who has been transferred to Iran, was withdrawn after he was declared persona non grata by Libya’s eastern-based government and members of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army, for allegedly interfering in Libyan politics by stating when he thought would be the right time for elections.

Two rival governments are jockeying for control of Libya.

The Tripoli-based and internationally-recognised Government of National Accord in the west and the House of Representatives in Benghazi in the east. |