Shoukry says Egypt will not allow Libya to fall under terrorist groups' control

CAIRO – 23 June 2020: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry stated on Tuesday that Egypt will not hesitate to take every measure to prevent Libya from falling under the control of terrorist groups and armed militias.

Addressing the opening session of an Arab League Council meeting held at the level of foreign ministers to discuss the latest developments in Libya, via video conference on Tuesday, Shoukry stressed Egypt's steadfast stance on the Libyan crisis.

Shoukry noted that Cairo was keen to work through all the diplomatic means to bring the views of different Libyans together and was involved in all the international initiatives aimed at achieving a political settlement in Libya, including the Libyan-Libyan political initiative "Cairo Declaration" launched on June 6.

He confirmed Egypt's keenness on the achievement of Berlin's political and economic resolutions, as well as the (5 + 5) resolution that will put in place the agreed security and military arrangements.

He stressed Egypt's active support and coordination with the efforts of the United Nations.

Shoukry also asserted the importance of working to reform the Libyan economy, through reforming the institutions under the parliament’s supervision and activating the Oil Corporation and the Central Bank in a framework of transparency and fair distribution of wealth.

The Egyptian minister warned of the consequences of remaining foreign interventions on the Libyan territories to support terrorist groups and militias by transferring foreign mercenaries and terrorists from Syria to Libya in a way that destabilizes Libyan internal security and represents a grave threat to Arab national security.

President Sisi announces peace initiative to end conflict in Libya

CAIRO - 6 June 2020: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced Cairo's plan for a ceasefire in Libya, beginning June 8, after a tripartite meeting with the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) KhalifaHaftar and Speaker of Libyan Parliament AqelaSaleh on Saturday.

He urged Arab countries to unite to end these destabilizing practices for regional and international peace and security.

For his part, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the pan-Arab organization denounces all forms of foreign armed intervention in Libya,emphasizing the need to get all foreign fighters, mercenaries, and armed militias out of Libya.

Abul Gheit said Libya is going through a critical phase in the conflict that has been shattering it and causing the suffering of its people for years.

"The Arab League has been following up with deep concern and denunciation of the increasing internationalization of the Libyan crisis and the flagrant foreign military interference in the conflict along with the repeated violations of the ceasefire on all fronts," he added.

He stressed absolute rejection of any military solutions to the Libyan crisis, saying a military option will neither render any party triumphant nor will it create peace or stability in the country.

Oil-rich Libya has been torn by violence, drawing in tribal militias, jihadists and mercenaries since the 2011 toppling and killing of long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a Western-backed uprising.

Turkey is implementing a military deployment at Libya to shore up the UN-backed government, while Khalifa Haftar is backed by Egypt, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.