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Email this citationCIAO DATE: 03/03
Relations Between Italy and Libya
March 2001
Abstract
Relations between Italy and Libya have oscillated over time, though broadly in tune with trends in international relations with this country. Despite oscillations, however, relations have never ceased to be important for both Italy and Libya.
In July 1998, the two governments signed a Joint Declaration whereby Italy recognized its colonial responsibilities, in particular its duty to search for Libyan victims of the Italian colonial administration, to take care of them and their families, as well as to help Libyan authorities to clear Second World War Italian mines. In the same Declaration, the two governments agreed to set up an Italian-Libyan Joint Stock Company, owned by Libyan and Italian firms, with the task of undertaking joint development projects in Libya and transferring part of profits to a fund for the support of operations related to colonial victims and de-mining. The Joint Company was established on May 30, 1999. After this Declaration, Italian-Libyan relations have improved markedly and prospects now appear very good.
It must be noted that this improvement is taking place in the framework of broadly improving relations between Libya, the European Union and all the most important European countries.
What is the outlook after the verdict in Camp Zeist? Let’s first consider the factors that shape Italian-Libyan relations, then, the Italian perspective on Libya and, finally, what lessons and policy prescriptions can be drawn from the Italian experience with Libya.
