Italy cannot accept nearby threat from Libya

Italian Ambassador in Cairo Maurizio Massari said his country cannot possibly accept a nearby threat from Libya.
The terrorist threat comes from the coastal city of Derna in the east of Libya, as well as some areas in the south, Massari told MENA Wednesday. But the diplomat is worried about the rapidly deteriorating situation with Daesh now taking control of the city of Sirte also.
Rome supports an international mediation, Massari said, but stressed that other UN-brokered solutions should be available in case of failure.
Italy, like Egypt, has interests in Libya and is keen on protecting Libya's unity, Massari said, stressing the importance of acting to prevent terrorists from controlling the Arab country.
The Egyptian and Italian diplomacy is working to achieve those goals, he noted.
Massari said his country is also concerned about the situation in Yemen and fears that a failed state might emerge there. This, he added, would mean that the navigation movement through Bab al Mandab strait and the Suez Canal would be very difficult and hazardous. It would be like a nightmare, with al Qaeda gaining more ground in Yemen, the diplomat said.
It is important to act to prevent this scenario from taking place in Yemen, Massari stressed.
Safe navigation through the Suez Canal is in the best interest of the world community, he said, noting that Yemen represents an additional terror threat in the region.
Asked about parliamentary elections in Egypt, Massari said he deeply respects the political process in Egypt. Massari said he is confident Egypt would achieve highest levels of democracy as aspired by the Egyptian people.
He believes it should be a comprehensive but gradual political process to support stability in Egypt.
The upcoming parliamentary elections will be the first step in this direction, Massari said, voicing willingness to actively cooperate with the new parliament in Egypt.
Italy is convinced that Egypt is a prosperous democracy and will act to further boost bilateral relations, the diplomat said.
Egypt is a key factor in regional stability, he said.
Rome is ready to work with all political parties that renounce violence and respect democracy and human rights, Massari noted.