Latest news with #AgenziaNova
Libya Review
25-06-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Belgassem Haftar: Italian Firms Vital to Libya's Reconstruction
The return of Italian companies to eastern Libya marks a 'historic moment,' both symbolically and operationally, according to Belgassem Haftar, Director of Libya's Reconstruction and Development Fund. Speaking to Agenzia Nova on the sidelines of the Italian-Libyan Economic Forum in Benghazi, Haftar described the renewed cooperation as a significant step forward. 'Italian firms have a deep understanding of our market and share long-standing historical, geographical, and cultural ties with Libya. Their experience and technical capabilities are exactly what we need,' Haftar said. He assured Italian stakeholders that Libya would honour all contractual commitments, including payment obligations. 'The most important element is trust. We will respect all agreements signed with Italian companies. We have many projects that will rely on their participation,' he added. Haftar explained that the Fund has proposed an €11 billion budget to the House of Representatives as part of a three-year development plan. The programme is built on sectoral studies to improve public services in key areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, environment, logistics, and transportation. 'For example, the infrastructure plan for Benghazi is expected to last between three to five years and will also aim to reduce environmental pollution. It is a strategic project that will open many opportunities for foreign companies,' he explained. Addressing Libya's internal divisions, Haftar stressed that national unity and political stability depend heavily on development. 'Development is a critical factor for reaching a political solution,' he said. He argued that economic revitalisation could drive not only local stability but also encourage political cohesion and stronger ties with neighbouring countries. The Benghazi forum is seen as a key platform for strengthening economic collaboration between Libya and Italy, with numerous contracts and partnerships expected to follow. Tags: Belgassem HaftarItalylibyaReconstruction
Libya Review
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Will Russia Attack Europe Through Libya?
Russia is reportedly preparing to install medium and long-range missile systems at the Sebha military base in southern Libya, aiming them at Europe, according to a source cited by Agenzia Nova. The base, located in the Fezzan region under General Khalifa Haftar's control, is seen as a strategic launch site due to its proximity to European territories such as Lampedusa. The plan, said to be in an advanced stage, is allegedly supported by Russia and Belarus. The report claimed that Haftar, together with his son Saddam, is reportedly using the recent chaos in Tripoli to push towards the capital. This follows the assassination of Abdulghani al-Kikli, known as 'Ghaniwa', leader of the Stability Support Apparatus, by Brigade 444 – a militia loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba. The killing sparked one of the most violent escalations in Tripoli in years. Sources claim the Russians are backing Haftar's expansion and may deploy advanced air defence systems like the Tor-M1 to protect the Sebha installation. The system, recently displayed in Benghazi, can intercept enemy missiles, drones and aircraft. Another layer to the alleged plan includes a proposed transfer of one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, with the mediation of Turkey and possible US backing. This transfer would reportedly involve Palestinians who do not support Hamas, and those resettled in Libya could receive citizenship from Haftar in exchange for political loyalty and control of Libya's oil assets. A second relocation, involving around 800,000 Gazans, could go to Syria under a separate US-brokered arrangement with the new Syrian leadership. While the reports remain unverified, they have sparked speculation about regional re-alignments involving Russia, Turkey, the US, and Gulf countries. Cyrenaican outlets have also reported Haftar's troops joining NATO's 'Anatolian Phoenix 25' exercises in Turkey. Between 1,500 and 2,000 LNA fighters are allegedly training there and acquiring Turkish drones. Tags: europekhalifa haftarlibyaMissilesRussiaSebha
