Cooperation between Libya and Italy Leads to Genetic Testing
Libya marks the anniversary of Libyans exiled to Italy during its colonial years on Monday. The Libyan flag was flown at half mast and the population was asked to wear black clothes in remembrance. As well, all traffic was stopped for five minutes at noon; the first periods of all education institutions were spent discussing the issue; all international transportation was canceled for the day; and the post office was closed.
What is especially interesting is the status of the inhabitants of the Italian Termiti Islands, one of the places where the exiled Libyans were sent. Apparently blood samples were given by the Italian government in order to determine if there are any descendants of the exiled Libyans still living on the Termiti Islands. The blood samples will be examined and compared “to the Libyan genetic map in response to the request of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to help identify the children and grandchildren of exiled Libyans.”
David Crowley
