Egypt’s FM Shoukry warns against foreign intervention in Libya during phone call with Italian counterpart

CAIRO – 16 July 2020: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with his Italian counterpart Luigi di Maio the latest updates on the Libyan political crises in a Thursday phone call, as both officials have warned against the consequences of illegal foreign interference in Libya and infux of foreign fighters to the Arab country.

Shoukry and di Maio reviewed the regional issues, particularly the latest developments in Libya that pose threats to stability in the region, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

Shoukry asserted the necessity to back efforts to reach a comprehensive and permanent solution for the Libyan crisis depending on the Cairo Declaration and Berlin deal.

Shoukry also briefed his Italian counterpart on the details of the meeting held earlier in the day between President Abdel Fatah El Sisi and chieftains of Libyan tribes that represent all categories of the Libyan people.

The ministers praised close ties between Cairo and Rome, hoping to strengthen cooperation in all fields.

The ministers also touched upon the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni to find facts to settle this issue, Hafez added.

Shoukry has another call Thursday, with European High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, where they discussed boosting cooperation and regional developments, topped by the Libyan crisis.

During the call, Shoukry expressed his country’s desire to reach out a comprehensive settlement to the Libyan crisis as soon as possible, which could preserve the stability, sovereignty and independence of the North African state which is suffered from a long-term conflict, Hafez said in a statement.

Allowing foreign fighters and mercenaries into Libya should be immediately stopped, Shoukry reiterated.

Egypt’s top diplomat briefed Borrel on a meeting held between President Sisi on Thursday with Libyan chieftains and tribal leaders representing the Libyans.

The meeting was held under the theme “Egypt and Libya one people …one destiny” aimed at activating the free will of the Libyan people for a better future and for serving the coming generations.

The talks also touched on the Palestinian cause, especially the Israeli plans to annex additional occupied territories to its lands, reiterating Egypt’s refusal to such provocative measures.

Also, they discussed means of reinforcing the Egyptian-EU cooperation in various fields to serve the interests of the two sides.

Shoukri also discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of common interest with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farha in a phone call, Thursday.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia have stressed the necessity to reach a comprehensive settlement for the Libyan crisis to maintain the Arab country's unity and territorial integrity.

The ministers voiced their rejection for foreign interference in Libya, asserting the need to counter the spread of armed militias and foreign fighters firmly, Hafez said.

The ministers backed the exerted efforts to reach a political settlement in Libya based on the Cairo Declaration and Berlin deal, reaffirming their countries' joint solidarity and support to face any threats caused by any foreign interference in Arab countries.

They also reviewed the latest developments on regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause and conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

President Sisi meet Thursday with Libyan tribal leaders who have arrived in Egypt on Wednesday night to voice rejection of the Turkish assault in Libya.

During the conference Sisi commented on possible Egyptian intervention in Libya, promising that Egypt will intervene "only at the Libyans' request and withdraw upon their order.” Sisi added that Egypt is willing to receive and train youth from tribes to help build a Libyan national army.

Sisi affirmed that Egypt supports the unified Libyan state, excluding armed and extremist militias. He added that the Sirte-Jufra red line shall not be crossed, describing it as a call for peace by Egypt to activate the political solution in the country.

He affirmed that Egypt hopes Libyan tribes will help resolve the crisis.