Macron says won’t respond to Italian criticism of France’s policy in Libya, Africa

BY Libyan Express Jan 28, 2019 - 13:11

General Khalifa Hifter of the Egyptian-backed commander of Libya’s self-styled national army, left, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, center, and Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj of the U.N.-backed government walk into the meeting room at the Chateau of the La Celle-Saint-Cloud, west of Paris, France, Tuesday, July 25, 2017. President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a meeting of the two main rival leaders of chaotic Libya, trying to play peacemaker in a country where the stakes are high for both Europe and Africa. (Photo: AP)

France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, has rejected to comment on criticism by Italian officials of French policy in Libya.

“I will not respond. That’s what they want. All of that is of interest,” Macron said when he was asked about recent Italian criticism of the French policy in Libya, adding that the Italian people are their friends and deserve leaders who match their history, according to France 24 TV Channel.

The remarks came on Sunday on the sideline of Macron’s two-day visit to Egypt.

Italy’s Deputy Premier Luigi di Maio accused last week France of colonizing and impoverishing countries in Africa by linking the migrant crisis with the poverty created by France’s colonialism.

Hence, the French Foreign Ministry summoned the Italian ambassador in a tit-for-tat move.

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