America expresses its strong support for Batili’s efforts to advance the political process in Libya.(UPDATE) MIKATI MEETS ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AT GRAND SERAIL

Tripoli: The United States of America expressed its strong support for the efforts of UN envoy Abdullah Batili to engage the active Libyan parties in a dialogue to advance the political process in Libya. This came during a meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Richard Norland, in Tripoli on Wednesday, in the presence of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Harris and the Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Libya, Jeremy Brent. Norland said: We agree with Batili that the remaining controversial political issues can only be resolved through dialogue and concessions, according to what the American embassy published through its account on the 'X' platform. The embassy added that the meeting also discussed the importance of a unified plan for the reconstruction of Derna and the areas affected by the floods. Source: Libyan News Agency Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday met at the Grand Serail, with visiting Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. Present at the meeting had been the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hani Chemaitelly, and PM Mikati's Advisors former Minister Nicolas Nahas and Ambassador Boutros Assaker. On the Italian side, the meeting was attended by Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere, and the accompanying Italian delegation. During the meeting, Mikati stressed that 'Lebanon supports a peaceful solution in the region,' and said 'Italy and Europe have a fundamental role in pushing in this direction.' Mikati underlined that "Lebanon supports the implementation of international resolutions in their letter, especially Resolution 1701, and the continuation of cooperation between the army and UNIFIL." The Italian minister, in turn, indicated that he is touring Lebanon and the regional countr ies to push for calm and peace, and said: "Italy supports Lebanon in its positions and continues to help establish calm in the south." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon