Egypt-Algeria FMs Stress Need for Ceasefire, Inclusive Settlement in Libya

On Sunday, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry held a telephone conversation with his Algerian counterpart Sabri Boqadom to discuss a number of regional files that have impact on regional stability and Arab national security, notably, the Libyan crisis.

During the talks, the two top diplomats stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive political settlement in Libya by engaging the parties to the conflict to engage into a peaceful dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations.

They also stressed the Libyan people's need for a ceasefire and an inclusive political solution as the alternative will be the demise of the North African country.

Both ministers also tackled the possibility of arranging a meeting to confer over matters of mutual interest.

In July, a visit by Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh to Algeria was postponed.

In December 2019, Turkey signed with the Government of National Accord (GNA) – which is an interim non-elected government that is recognized by the United Nations – two MoUs on defense and gas drilling in the Mediterranean.

Libyan tribes announced the closure of oil ports and fields in January as the revenues were used by the GNA to pay militants. Early in July, the tribes declared that oil facilities would resume operations.

However, the LNA announced on July 11 that such facilities would remain closed until the demands of the Libyan people on dismantling militias are fulfilled. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NCO) announced that the value of revenues lost until present is $6.5 billion.

The UN Security Council Committee concerning Libya indicated in a report issued Friday that Turkey has sent to the North African state 7,000 to 15,000 Syrian mercenaries. The committee highlighted that Libya is turning into a large market for arms as a consequence of the embargo violations.