Conclusion of tripartite meeting on Libya

CAIRO - 6 March 2019: Foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria issued Tuesday a joint statement after concluding the Tripartite Ministerial Meeting on Libya held in Cairo to discuss the developments on the North African country’s scene and possible political solutions to its crisis.

Egyptian Minister Sameh Shokry, Tunisian Minister Khamis al-Johainawy, and Algerian Minister Abdel Kader Mosahel asserted their commitment to backing Libya and its people in that critical phase of its history.

The ministers added they would help in achieving national reconciliation in a way that reinstates security and stability in the entire country, affirming their support to Libya’s territorial integrity, unity, independence, and sovereignty.

The ministers stipulated their rejection of any foreign intervention in the country as that further complicates the crisis and cripples the whole political process.

The officials re-asserted their stance supporting a political solution that is based on inclusive dialogue, and congruence upon Libyan sides to accomplish the transitional period until elections are held. That comes in accordance with the Libyan Political Agreement, known as Skhirat Agreement, signed in 2015 and considered as the main reference to reach a political settlement to the crisis.

The minister showcased the mediation efforts exerted by the three states to help Libyan sides reach points of agreement, and break the deadlock. They also called upon Libyan sides to have a sense of responsibility, flexibility, and to positively handle the necessities of the political process backed by the United Nations.

The ministers expressed their support to Special Representative of the Secretary General to Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ghassan Salama. That comes as a result of his continuous efforts to implement the UN Action Plan for Libya concerned with tackling all aspects of the crisis until a comprehensive settlement is reached based on an accord among the Libyan sides.

The ministers expressed their concern over the status of security in Libya, highlighting the importance of implementing the security arrangements plan on the capital, Tripoli, adopted by the UNSMIL and endorsed by the prime minister of the Government of National Accord.

Within that framework, the ministers welcomed strengthening the role of systematic elements in securing Tripoli and the rest of the country. They expressed their aspiration that the Libyan sides sign soon a convention on the unification of the military institution based on talks that were held in Cairo.

The minister stressed the importance of persistent political cooperation and security coordination within the framework of counterterrorism efforts, affirming their support to Libyan national efforts deployed to combat terrorism, organized crime, and migrant smuggling.

The ministers welcomed the economic reforms undertaken by the Government of National Accord, highlighting the importance of exerting more efforts to unify economic and financial institutions. The goal is improving the living conditions of citizens and delivering the basic public services.

The ministers agreed to hold the next meeting in Tunisia. The date has not been announced yet.