Egypt calls for settlement of political crisis in Libya

Amid the ongoing political deadlock in Libya, Egypt has reiterated its support for settling the crisis in the war-torn country. During a recent meeting with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Libya Jan Kubis, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry asserted that a settlement would help in preserving Libyan unity and ensuring the exit of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from the country. He added that it will safeguard the Libyan population and its national institutions by overcoming the political, security, and economic situations in the country.

The Egyptian foreign minister also underlined the significance of the UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum which aims to facilitate presidential and legislative elections in Libya as per schedule in December. He further extended Egypt's support to the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission for establishing unity between security and military institutions within Libya.

According to a spokesperson of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Shoukry also lauded the efforts made by the UN special envoy to settle the political crisis in Libya and bring stability to the country. The UN envoy has also briefed the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister about the outcome of recent interactions with parties involved in the Libyan crisis. Jan Kubis also hailed Egypt's efforts in supporting peace and stability in its national neighbors.

On Wednesday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and UN special envoy to Libya Jan Kubis held discussions about political and economic developments in Libya and possible ways to resolve the crisis.

"The two diplomats also tackled the Arab League's supporting role in the settlement path in Libya under the auspices of the United Nations," a statement issued by the Arab League said.

Arab League and the United Nations have stressed the importance of compliance with the ceasefire deal and holding the national elections in Libya by the end of the year.

In addition, Arab League has called for a meeting of the African Union, United Nations, the European Union, and the pan-Arab body to discuss and coordinate efforts with the aim of attaining political settlement in Libya.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh held discussions over the political situation in the Arab nation. As per a statement, the Russian President expressed his country's support towards strengthening Libya’s sovereignty and unity. The US has also underlined the need for unified efforts to overcome the crisis in Libya.

“We will continue to engage Libyan and international stakeholders to support the political process culminating in December elections that will help consolidate a sovereign and secure Libya free from foreign interference in the interest of regional stability and the security of Libya’s neighbors,” a statement by the US embassy in Libya said.

On Tuesday, France provided 1 million euros ($1.2 million) to support national elections in Libya.

French Ambassador to Libya Beatrice Le Fraser du Hellen signed an agreement with UNDP Resident Representative Gerardo Noto, by which France committed 1 million euros to support the UNDP’s Promoting Elections for the People of Libya project, raising the total funds from France to the project to 1,850,000 euros ($2.21 million), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said in a statement.