Libya's eastern parliament speaker to meet Russian officials to discuss Libya: Media Advisor

Libya's eastern-based parliament issued a statement on July 14, authorizing Egypt - which supports the rival government of Abdallah al Thini in Beida - to intervene militarily if necessary, due to what it called "Turkey's blatant intervention in Libya and breaching of the country's sovereignty."

 

 

Libyan parliament spokesman Abdallah Bleihaq, on a visit to Cairo on July, thanked Egypt for helping his country. He said he expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian parliament for its support for Libya's security and stability in all areas, given that the security of both countries are intertwined and that ties between them are longstanding.

 

 

In July, the Egyptian House of Representatives has authorized President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to “take necessary measures” to protect national security, giving a green light for the president to send troops to Libya.

 

This came in a closed session on protecting the Egyptian and Libyan national security against terror threats. The session was attended only by the Parliament members and the general secretariat of the House.

 

Sisi said at a meeting with Libyan tribal chiefs in Egypt that any Egyptian military intervention in Libya may only materialize upon a request by the Libyan people and permission from the Egyptian House.

 

According to Article 152 of the Egyptian constitution, the state has to seek the Parliament’s approval before declaring war or sending its forces in combat missions. The members attending the session are not authorized to disclose any details of the discussion inside this secret meeting.

 

During his meeting with the tribal chiefs on July 16, Sisi said Egypt has always stood by a peaceful solution in Libya through encouraging negotiations between Libyan factions. However, it will not stand idly as it watches activities that threaten Egypt’s national security.

 

“Egypt has the strongest Army in the region and Africa,” the president said, adding that it is, however, wise and does not assail or invade other territories.

 

He noted that in case the Egyptian forces entered Libya, they will be led by tribal leaders carrying the Libyan flag. Sisi promised that Egypt will intervene "only at the Libyans' request and withdraw upon their order.”