First of all I want to reiterate that Libyans and Italians are friends. We have overcome the legacy of fascist aggression. And, just because our relationships are excellent, I want to fight anyone who tries to ruin them. In Italy we come on vacation, our wounded are treated, we have ancient economic relations. But I must also say that we Libyans hold our independence and sovereignty. Nobody can enter by military means in our territorial waters without authorization. It would be an invasion and we have the right-duty to defend ourselves, even if those who attack us are much stronger than us. It is valid for Italy, as for any other country ". This was stated by General Khalifa Haftar, in an interview with Corriere della Sera. According to Haftar regarding the Italian mission in Libya "there was no agreement with us. I have not given you any green light. Not only that, nobody has ever told us anything. It was an accomplished fact, imposed without consulting us ". However he reiterates "this is not a specifically anti-Italian attitude. It applies to any foreign military ship that remains a legitimate target, if it does not coordinate with my armed forces. Sarraj has seriously violated those agreements, where it is explicitly said that moves of this kind should be coordinated between us - explains the general - But the violation is also Italian. In Rome they are co-responsible, they know very well that Sarraj has no authority to allow your ships to come to our territorial waters. He did not ask for an opinion from me or his presidential council. His is an individual, illegitimate and illegal choice ". On the other hand, as regards the traffic of migrants Haftar has no doubts: "The migrant problem is not resolved on our shores. If we do not leave by sea we must keep them and this is not possible. Even the agreements of your Minister of Interior Minniti with the tribes, militias and municipalities of our desert are just palliative, fragile solutions. Instead, we need to work together to stop the flows on the 4.000 kilometers of the Libyan desert border in the south. My soldiers are ready. I control over three quarters of the country. I own the workforce, but I miss the means. Macron asked me what we need: I'm sending him a list. "
The truth? It is that he is French thread, piloted by the French. Every Italian action would be opposed and criticized. France has always had influence with the southern tribes especially with that from which General Haftar comes.