The Voice of People Party has called on Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah to expel the European Union's Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, deeming him a persona non grata. This demand follows what the party described as offensive and overreaching statements about Libya.
In a statement, the party criticized Orlando for "exceeding diplomatic norms", accusing him of attempting to impose the Italian government's policies on illegal migrant settlement in Libya.
"Orlando has crossed all boundaries and is now unwelcome in Libya. His blatant attempts to enforce Italy's demands to settle illegal migrants here will not be accepted. We urge Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah to act immediately to expel Orlando from Libya," the statement read. The party fears that complying with European demands could initiate demographic changes in Libya.
The statement further called on the European Commission to promptly replace Orlando, accusing him of lacking professionalism and diplomatic decorum. "Orlando's continued tenure will inevitably lead to a serious deterioration in the relationship between the Libyan people and the European Union," the party warned.
Additionally, the Voice of People Party emphasized that Libya should not bear the burden of Europe's colonial history. "Libya is not obligated to act as Europe's guardian and pay the price for its abhorrent colonial past in Africa. Orlando and his country, Italy, must bear the burdens of their dark colonial history and cannot lecture Libyans on humanity and human rights."
