FM discusses with UN envoy Egypt's efforts in Libyan crisis

CAIRO - 13 August 2017: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Sunday with the UN's envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame in Cairo to discuss the recent developments in Libya and efforts to reach a political solution, Ahmed Abu Zeid, Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a press statement.

During the meeting, Shoukry reviewed Egypt’s vision of the latest developments in Libya's political and security affairs and the challenges facing Egypt as a result of the ongoing situation of security chaos in Libya, Abu Zeid said.

Shoukry stressed on the importance of taking serious steps to restore the unity of the Libyan entity and activate the role of the Libyan national institutions. He also highlighted the need to carry forward the necessary amendments on Skhirat Agreement, which was signed in Morocco in 2015.

Shoukry continued to assure the vital role of Skhirat Agreement to reach a peaceful transition of power in Libya and establish a national united government. He assured the need of amendments in the agreement to the clarity of the work of the Libyan national institutions until elections are held.

Egypt is keen to coordinate with the United Nations to follow up the implementation of the Skhirat Agreement, Shoukry added.

They tackled the outcomes of earlier meetings in July of the foreign minister with Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez al-Seraj and Libya's National Army Commander Khalifa Haftert. It also tackled the discussion Shoukry had with the EU's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini regarding developments in Libya

For his part, Salame praised the Egyptian role in resolving the crisis in Libya and its efforts to activate the political process through peaceful solution. He expressed the need to hold talks among all Libyan parties.

Shoukry and Salame expressed their hopes for further coordination between Egypt and the UN in order to preserve the unity and independence of Libya, Abu Zeid concluded.
Egypt plays a significant role in negotiations to end the Libyan conflict within the framework of the Skhirat Agreement in 2015.