Libya’s elected government has accused the Italian navy of violating its territorial waters after authorities said they spotted three Italian warships off the eastern coast.
The recognized government released a statement on Saturday saying that its naval forces had spotted three warships close to the east coast of the North African country.
The Italian government however dismissed the claims saying all Italian ships operating in the Mediterranean operate only in international waters and respect the limits established by the treaty.
Libya is in conflict between its recognized government in the east and a self-proclaimed government controlling Tripoli, a rivalry that western powers suspect has allowed Islamist militants and people smugglers to thrive and grow in strength.
The European Union (EU) has already deployed a naval mission in the international waters of the Mediterranean Sea in an effort to stop migrant smugglers who have taken advantage of the chaos in Libya to send thousands of people across to Europe.
EU is trying to broker a peace agreement and unity government between Libya’s factions, which would open doors for more European and international co-operation and aid. One option maybe expanding the EU mission into Libyan waters.
