Egypt stands equally from all Libyan parties, says FM

CAIRO- 6 October 2017: Egypt stands at the same distance from all Libyan parties and is keen to maintain strong relations with all of them, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed Friday.

During a meeting with Al Ahram journalists,in which head of the Syndicate of Journalists Abdel Mohsen Salama was present, Shoukry said Egypt seeks to help all Libyan parties reach a vision to be implemented by the UN envoy to Libya.

The Middle East region witnesses a state of turmoil and the situation in Syria is still complicated due to the interference of Iran, Turkey, the US, Russia and the Lebanese Hezbollah group in Syrian affairs, he said.

The top Egyptian diplomat threatened that such interference could lead to the division of a number of Arab countries.

The Egyptian diplomacy exerts strenuous efforts at the regional and international levels as part of Egypt's endeavors to have balanced relations with the world countries, he noted.

The Syrian people have suffered heavy losses in the past seven years due to Qatar's support of terrorist groups, he said, adding that steps taken by the four Arab countries fighting terrorism, namely Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, against Qatar led to the reduction of Qatar's influence in Syria.

He also praised efforts exerted by the US-led international coalition, Russia and the Syrian government to eliminate terrorist groups, particularly Daesh, in Syria.

"Egypt prefers no to use the military solution in Syria and calls for eliminating terrorist groups and helping the Syrian opposition to engage in UN-backed talks to draw a roadmap for the political future of Syria," the foreign minister said.

Speaking about the Israeli military interference in Syria, Shoukry said Tel Aviv seeks to achieve its own interests in Syria, making use of the unclear situation in the country and the international community's silence on the violation of Syrian sovereignty.