Egypt’s FM, European counterparts discuss Libyan crisis

CAIRO- 24 July 2020:  Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry conducted on Thursday evening a series of telephone calls with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EU Commission Josep Borrell, as well as Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Dendias, and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Malta Hon. Evarist Bartolo to discuss the latest development regarding the Libyan crisis.

Shoukry reviewed Egypt’s vision regarding the situation in Libya, especially in light of the irresponsible escalation involving transfers of fighters and terrorists into Libya by Turkey with the aim of destabilizing the region, targeting Arab states’ national security and undermining the fortunes of their peoples, said the Egyptian foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez in a statement.

Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s desire to bring stability and security in Libya through working earnestly towards a ceasefire and the achievement of a Libyan-Libyan political solution via negotiations; “a matter for which the "Cairo Declaration" lays the groundwork, as it constitutes an important step towards the completion of the Berlin political track. Shoukry noted that this also requires solidarity in order to decisively confront all foreign interventions in Libya,” said Hafez.

On July 20, the Egyptian House of Representatives approved sending troops beyond Egyptian borders to the western strategic direction.

On July 16, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met with leaders of tribes eastern, central, and western Libya in Cairo, as they demanded Egypt's military support to repel Turkish aggression. "We will enter Libya upon the request of the Libyan people, and will leave it in compliance with the order of the Libyan people," the president stated.

On July 13, the Libyan House of Representatives issued a statement allowing the Egyptian Armed Forces to intervene whenever it perceives a threat to the security of Egypt and Libya describing Turkey as "the invading occupier."

On June 20, President Sisi declared Sirte and Al-Jufrah in central Libya a red line that if crossed, Egypt's "direct intervention" becomes internationally legitimate.

Additional reporting by Noha El Tawil