The Italian permanent representative at the United Nations (UN), Maurizio Massari, said that Libya is an "absolute priority for his country's foreign policy", which appeared in the recent visit of the Italian Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign and Interior Affairs to Tripoli.

Massari added, in an interview with "La Voce di New York" newspaper, that Rome plays a very central diplomatic role in Libya, adding that Italy's approach is to support a political solution that includes the participation of all Libyans under the UN auspices.

He also stressed that the UN is the only honest mediator in Libya, stressing full support for the UN envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily, and reiterating the need to avoid external interference which he said "only delays the formation of the internal Libyan framework.

Massari said that Libyan elections must be held this year and that he was confident that Bathily would present, within two months, a roadmap to the Security Council that defines the conditions for access to elections.

Commenting on the gas agreement between Libya and Italy, Massari said it was very important and expected it to show results in the next few years for the benefit the Libyan people in the first place.

The Italian diplomat also indicated that Rome regularly consulted with France and Germany on Libya, especially within the Security Council, adding that Paris and Rome "have a common interest in a stable and unified Libya that can resume its path toward development."