Italian PM hails Cairo declaration on Libya as consistent with global efforts: statement

CAIRO – 7 June 2020: Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday has hailed the Cairo declaration on the Libyan crisis, which pushes for a ceasefire in the war-torn country, saying it is consistent with the relevant international efforts, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

The planned ceasefire, suggested by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi along with the Libyan parliament speaker and commander of the Libyan National Army, is set to start on Monday, June 8. The declaration also includes a call for the removal of foreign mercenaries from Libya and further political recommendations.

Conte on Sunday made a phone call with President Sisi. They both agreed on the need to intensify coordination on the Libyan issue, in order to end the crisis and reach a political solution that would pave the way for restoring security and stability in Libya, Presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said.

They also urged supporting the international efforts in this regard, implementing the outcome of the Berlin conference on Libya and rejecting foreign interference in the territory.

President Sisi affirmed Egypt’s unchangeable strategic stance toward the Libyan crisis, represented in restoring the national state institutions, ending the spread of the criminal groups and terrorist organizations, prioritizing stability and security of the Libyan people and putting an end to the illegitimate foreign intervention.

Watch: a joint press conference between President Sisi, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar and Speaker of Libyan Parliament Aguila Saleh


During the call, Sisi and Conte also reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries, especially on the commercial, military and energy levels. Conte expressed Italy’s keenness to develop cooperation with Egypt in all fields.

Sisi, in this regard, expressed willingness to foster special relations between Egypt and Italy in all realms, including efforts to contain the novel coronavirus.

Sisi announced the Cairo declaration after a tripartite meeting with Haftar and Saleh on Saturday.

Sisi said that the political initiative would pave the way for a return to normal life in Libya. Sisi warned against using military tactics to resolve the crisis.

A political solution is the only way to resolve the crisis in Libya, Sisi said, adding that Libya's security is a pillar for Egypt's security.

All Libyan parties have been asked to partake in the ceasefire, al-Sisi said, adding that LNA Chief Haftar and the eastern parliament head Aguila Saleh are committed to protecting the Libyan people’s best interests.

Under the guidelines of the ceasefire, all foreign fighters must withdraw from Libya, he added.

For further details about the initiative, you can read:

Additional reporting by Walaa Ali