Situation in Bani Walid

ROME, Italy, October 26, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Minister for Foreign Affairs Giulio Terzi today instructed Italian diplomatic authorities in Libya to monitor developments in the humanitarian situation in Bani Walid. According to the latest reports, the toll of the clashes there stands at approximately 25 dead, over 400 wounded and more than 25,000 displaced.

Acting on the minister's instructions, Italian Ambassador to Tripoli Giuseppe Buccino met in recent days with President Mgarief and numerous Libyan political leaders. In all his meetings Ambassador Buccino expressed Italy's strong hope in the timely formation of a national reconciliation government, underscoring that full respect for human rights was a necessary requirement in the pursuit of a new democratic Libya.

Italy is willing to supply the maximum in humanitarian support to the population of Bani Walid once the conditions on the ground permit. Responding to Libya's request, Italy has made treatment in Italian hospitals available to a significant number of wounded. At the same time, the Libyan authorities expressed high expectations for the facilitated entrance of humanitarian organizations into Bani Walid, particularly the International Red Cross.