Egypt highlights Turkish threats to region

CAIRO – 2 January 2020: Egypt has affirmed its stance regarding the Libyan crisis during the extraordinary meeting of the Arab League (AL) Council on Dec. 31.

According to presidency spokesperson Ahmed Hafez Egypt's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Alaa Rushdy pointed out in his speech to the danger of recent Turkish moves on the security and future of Libya.

He also warned of sending Turkish forces to Libya, which threatens the whole MENA region.

Furthermore, the Egyptian mission stressed the importance of reaching a political solution that paves the way for the return of security and stability in Libya.

The council highlighted its rejection of any foreign interference in Libya's domestic affairs through deploying militias in the war-torn country or violating international resolutions to impose an arms embargo there.

The Arab League council held an extraordinary meeting on Dec. 31 at the level of permanent delegates to discuss the latest developments in Libya and probe means of settling the Libyan crisis.

The meeting, held at the request of Egypt, was presided over by Iraq.
At the end of their meeting, the Arab delegates warned against violating the political accord in Libya or international resolutions on that score, reiterating their rejection of any foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Libya.

They also called for a full implementation of the Skhirat agreement, signed in Morocco on December 17, 2015, considering it the only reference for reaching a settlement in Libya.

The council expressed concern over the military escalation in Libya, which it said threatens the security and stability of the neighboring countries and the region as a whole, including the Mediterranean.