Perhaps the most significant recognition came in April from Italy, Libya’s former colonial ruler and one of the closest European countries to Libya, both geographically and economically. Before the conflict broke out in February, Italy was Libya’s largest trading partner. It received 25 percent of its national oil supply from Libya and its break with the Libyan government was a major economic decision, the Telegraph reported.
Libya’s conflict has sent droves of refugees across the Mediterranean Sea into Italy, putting significant strain on the country, particularly on the island of Lampedusa, which lies between the two countries.
