EU Commission ready to provide “discreet support” for the land Flotilla activists detained in Libya

Brussels – The European Commission is ready “to offer support” to Member States regarding the fate of the activists of the Land Flotilla: the volunteers, including two Italians, who were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, in Palestine, via the Rafah crossing in Egypt and who, after being stopped at Sirte, on the border between western and eastern Libya, have been under arrest in Benghazi since 24 May, without formal charges. “Through our delegation in Libya, we are aware of the situation and remain in close contact with the relevant Member State embassies,” a European spokesperson stated, without committing to any specific action. “The EU is ready to offer discreet support in a gradual and constructive manner, in line with the request of Member States whose citizens are currently being detained.” 

Regarding the commitment and requests of Member States, today (10 June) the Members of the European Parliament from the Democratic Party sent a letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, calling for the “utmost commitment” from the Italian institutions to protect the Italian citizens currently being held in Benghazi: Domenico Centrone and Dina Alberizia, citizens of Puglia who have been detained in Libya since 24 May along with the other participants in the mission. While they appreciate the dedication shown by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate in Benghazi, given “the complexity of the situation and the delicate diplomatic work required in a situation such as this,” the MEPs express grave concern at the protracted nature of the affair: “Domenico Centrone and Dina Alberizia are Italian citizens who chose to get involved, driven by those values of solidarity, cooperation, and humanity that represent the finest heritage of Italy and Europe, and their families, like so many other citizens, are anxiously awaiting news that might restore peace of mind and hope,” the document states. 

MEPs, praising the way in which Italy “has always stood out for its defence of its citizens,” call on Minister Tajani to take “every useful step to ensure the protection of Domenico, Dina, and the other volunteers, to ensure contact with their families and to reach a solution as soon as possible that allows for their safe return.” The MEPs therefore believe that more can be done: “It is important that this commitment is demonstrated with the utmost determination, including through the involvement of European institutions and all available diplomatic channels,” they conclude. The letter was first signed by MEP Georgia Tramacere, followed by Nicola Zingaretti, Stefano Bonaccini, Irene Tinagli, Brando Benifei, Alessandra Moretti, Annalisa Corrado, Dario Nardella, Matteo Ricci, Camilla Laureti, Lucia Annunziata, Sandro Ruotolo, Giuseppe Lupo, Raffaele Topo, Pierfrancesco Maran, Giorgio Gori, Alessandro Zan, Cecilia Strada, and Marco Tarquinio.