Lybian Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush has been suspended over a meeting held last week in Rome with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
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While some reports said Mangoush was being investigated, during which time she would be placed on "administrative suspension," others stated she left the country on a private jet hours after the suspension and headed to Turkey.
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Libya's Foreign Ministry said that "what happened in Rome was a chance and unofficial encounter that did not involve any discussion, agreement or consultation." Mangoush "refused to meet with any party" representing Israel, while stressing "in a clear and unambiguous manner Libya's position regarding the Palestinian cause."
Libyan Presidential Council leader Mohammed Menfi said the meeting between Mangoush and Cohen did "not reflect the foreign policy of the Libyan state," and is "a violation of Libyan laws that criminalize normalization with the Zionist entity."
Cohen's office, on the other hand, hailed the talks as the "first step in the relationship between Israel and Libya."
The news brought protesters out into the streets against Israel and in solidarity with the Palestinians.
The meeting was hosted by Antonio Taiani, Italy's foreign minister. Cohen said the meeting was part of his government's efforts to expand "the circle of peace and normalization of Israel."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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