Egypt stresses neccessity of cease-fire, elimination of terrorist elements in Libya

CAIRO – 22 July 2020: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed the necessity to achieve a ceasefire and a political solution to the Libyan crisis during phone calls on Wednesday with his French and German counterparts, Jean-Yves Le Drian and Heiko Maas.

 

The two calls discussed in great detail the developments in the Libyan scene and the importance of working towards reaching a political solution in the country, a statement by Ahmed Hafez, the official spokesperson of the ministry, said.

 

The Egyptian Foreign Minister has further stressed the priority that the Egyptian side assigns to working towards a ceasefire and for a political solution that would preserve the sovereignty and unity of Libya.

 

Egypt's Foriegn Minister Mr. Sameh Shoukry

 

Mr. Shoukry also added that the Cairo declaration in this regard came as a complement to Berlin’s course that aims at resolving the Libyan crisis and eliminating terrorist groups and armed militias so that the brotherly Libyan people can enjoy security and stability.

 

He further added that success in achieving the desired political solution requires addressing the proliferation of extremist organizations in the Libyan territories and external interference in a way that not only threatens Egyptian interests, but also affects the security of the countries bordering the Mediterranean, as well as regional and international stability in general.

 

Aref Al Nayed, the envoy of the Libyan parliament speaker on Wednesday said that the Libyan parliament is supporting the Egyptian military intervention in his country to stop the Turkish aggression.

 

In statements published by Russia Today channel, he added that Turkey is trying to control Libya and its resources through carrying around 16,000 fighters to Libya, most of them are from Al Qaeda and Daesh terrorist groups.

 

He added that this is why the Libyan parliament and tribal chiefs have resorted to Egypt for help against the Turkish occupation of Libya.

 

Moreover, the Foreign Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives expressed its deep concern over reports that the government of National Accord continues to build-up militia around Sirte, and incites to attack the city.

 

The Committee added in a press statement, Tuesday, that its deeply concern that the 100,000-population city might be at risk of facing a major humanitarian crisis due to the attack.

 

 

The committee stressed that adherence to the political solution and the initiative of Libyan Parliament Speaker as the only solution to the current crisis.

 

The committee also rejected any military solution, stressing the need to reach a mechanism for distributing oil revenues fairly and transparently, which will lead to the return of oil exports.