UAE backs Egypt’s new Libya peace initiative
PROPOSAL CALLS FOR ELECTED PRESIDENTIAL COUNCIL
The UAE yesterday announced its full support for Egyptian efforts being made to bring about an immediate ceasefire in Libya, and return to the political track to end the crisis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation affirmed that the UAE stands with all efforts that seek an immediate end to the fighting in Libya, and return to the political track led by the United Nations in a manner that guarantees Libya’s sovereignty away from all external interference.
The UAE statement came after Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi announced a new initiative for Libya, which proposes an elected presidential council.
Foreign diplomats witness agreement
Several foreign diplomats, including US, Russian, French and Italian envoys attended.
Speaking alongside Libyan National Army (LNA) chief Khalifa Haftar, and eastern parliament head Aguila Saleh in Cairo, Al Sissi said: “There can be no stability in Libya unless peaceful means to the crisis are found that include the unity and integrity of the national institutions.”
“The initiative could be a new start in Libya.”
Unification of all financial and oil institutions
The plan also includes the unification of all Libyan financial and oil institutions, and the disbanding of militias, so that the so-called Libyan National Army and other security agencies can “carry out their responsibilities”, Al Sissi said.
Commander Haftar said that Turkish intervention would increase regional and international polarisation over Libya
Turkey is sponsoring terrorism in front of the world and is transferring terrorists from one place to another within the Middle East and North Africa.”
Khalifa Haftar | Libyan National Army chief
and “prolong the conflict.’’ He urged his host, Al Sissi, to work to force Turkey to withdraw its forces and the mercenaries it has sent.
There was no comment from the UN-supported government based in Tripoli.
Egypt’s president yesterday announced a new initiative to end the civil war in neighbouring Libya, a plan that was accepted by Khalifa Haftar, the Libyan national Army (LNA) chief.
President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi told a news conference in Cairo that his initiative includes a ceasefire starting tomorrow and is meant to pave the way for elections in oil-rich Libya. He warned against continuing to look for a military solution to the country’s crisis.
“There can be no stability in Libya unless peaceful means to the crisis are found that include the unity and integrity of the national institutions,” Al Sissi said. “The initiative could be a new start in Libya.’’
UAE supports plan
The UAE has announced its support for Egypt’s efforts calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and a return to the political process. The UAE commended the sincere and persistent diplomatic efforts by Egypt in this regard.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasised the UAE’s support for a political solution to end the Libyan crisis in line with the outcomes of the Berlin Conference under the auspices of the UN.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
also called upon Libyan authorities, led by the Government of National Accord (AlWefaq) and the Libyan National Army, to respond immediately to this initiative in order to avoid bloodshed, engage in institution building, and end this conflict, which threatens the sovereignty and integrity of the Libyan state.
The Ministry underscored that the political process is the only acceptable option to achieve stability and prosperity, calling upon Libyans to prioritise the national interest and respond to the initiative launched by Cairo.
There was no comment from the UN-supported government based in Tripoli, Haftar’s rival. But a spokesman for the military forces allied with it said they would continue fighting to capture the city of Sirte, east of Tripoli .
The conference in Cairo was attended by Haftar, eastern parliament head Aguila Saleh and several foreign diplomats, including US, Russian, French and Italian envoys.
Al Sissi said the initiative included the formation of a presidential council in which Libya’s three regions would be represented. That council would rule the country during a 1 1/2-year transition period followed by elections.
Withdrawal of fighters
The plan also includes the unification of all Libyan financial and oil institutions, and the disbanding of militias, so that the so-called Libyan National Army and other security agencies can “carry out their responsibilities,’’ Al Sissi said, without elaborating.
The Egyptian leader called for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters in Libya. Thousands of mercenaries, mostly form the war-torn Syria, have been fighting on both sides of the war.