Egyptian, Chinese FMs discuss Libyan turmoil

CAIRO- 24 July 2020: On a phone call with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments in Libya and several issues of mutual interest, said Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez on Friday.

Shoukry reviewed the Egyptian stance regarding the Libyan issue, in light of preserving Libya's unity, security and safety by working towards a political solution to the crisis and supporting the establishment of Libyan national institutions, Hafez said.

Egypt sought through a " Cairo Declaration" to keep a ceasefire and push for a political solution to the crisis through inter-Libyan accord that reflects Libyan people’s will and aspirations, in consistency with the outcomes of the Berlin Conference.

During the discussion, Shoukry stressed on the necessity of supporting efforts to combat terrorist groups, armed militias and foreign interference that escalated the situation in Libya and posed a threat to stability and security in the region.

A day earlier,  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.

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