Rabat – Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has affirmed his country’s full support for an inter-Libyan solution to Libya’s decade-running crisis, stressing Cairo’s rejection of any external interference that would bypass Libyan institutions.
Speaking during a meeting of the Arab League Council on Wednesday, Shoukry highlighted the importance of the efforts undertaken by the eastern Libya-based House of Representatives and the Tripoli-based Supreme Council of State in order to reach a peaceful resolution to the decade-long conflict.
The Egypt foreign minister further explained that his country’s hope is to see Libyan institutions continue dialogue and commit to their respective pledges and mandates established under the Skhirat Agreement.
He called on all foreign countries involved in the Libyan crisis to respect the country’s sovereignty, stressing the need to disband the militias fighting in Libya and compel all foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries to leave the country. In addition, he called on all parties involved to support the mission of the 55 Joint Military Committee, to protect the sovereignty and stability of Libya.
In his speech, the Egyptian official further called on Arab countries to formulate common visions for collective action on various issues, including both global challenges and regional or Arab issues.
Arab countries should work on formulating a common Arab vision for coordinated action on security issues, especially on terrorism, and reject foreign interference in regional issues, he explained.
Read also: Arab League: Skhirat Agreement Remains Framework for Libya Resolution
Touching on the Palestinian-Israel conflict, the chief Egyptian diplomat said that a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East will only be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Regarding the recent aggressions by Israeli forces against Palestinians, he expressed Egypt’s rejection and condemnation of all Israeli practices that impede the peace process, and escalate tensions in the region.
The Skhirat Agreement is a Moroccan initiative that aims to bring different Libyan parties involved in the conflict to reach a peaceful resolution.
Since brokering the deal in 2015, Morocco has on numerous occasions convened rival Libyan factions to further discuss the terms of an “inter-Libyan” and “compromise-based” political process that could help end Libyans’ decade-long predicament. The agreement has been widely applauded as the basis for a lasting political solution to the Libyan crisis.
