7 Feb – 13 Feb: Trump extends national emergency while Netherlands announces Libyan diplomatic office and Italy boosts its African Fund contribution

Feb 13, 2018 | International actors

On 9 February, US President Donald Trump extended for one year the national emergency that President Barack Obama first issued on 25 February 2011 pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In his statement, Trump said that, “the situation in Libya continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and measures are needed to protect against the diversion of assets or other abuses by members of Qadhafi’s family, their associates, and others hindering Libyan national reconciliation.” The national emergency will continue until 25 February 2019.

On 12 February, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Ahmed Maitiq, met with the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Libya Eric Strating in Tripoli to discuss ways of developing bilateral relations and areas of joint cooperation between the two countries. Strating reiterated his country’s support for the GNA and announced the opening of a diplomatic representation office in Tripoli in preparation for the resumption of the embassy’s work.

On 8 February, the Italian government announced it will invest an additional 80 million Euros in its African Fund to fight illegal migration, bringing the total to 240 million Euros, along with the deployment of troops in Libya “to combat illegal immigration and counter terrorism threats.”