Libya demands mercenary pullout as EU top diplomats visit

Libya's government demanded the immediate withdrawal of all foreign mercenaries ahead of year-end elections, Libyan Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush said on Thursday.

During Tripoli news conference with her German, French and Italian counterparts, Al-Mangoush asserted that stability of Libya is reflected positively on all neighboring countries.

The three European diplomats were in Tripoli to support the newly formed Government of National Unity, or GNU.

She affirmed that they agreed with the European ministers on reopening embassies and granting visas from inside Libya, not from outside.

Additionally, the Foreign Minister noted that this visit shows support for the national government and the Libyan Presidency Council.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian echoed her call, affirming that "The departure of the mercenaries is essential for the Libyan state to assert its sovereignty."

"We cannot look away from the consequences that the Libyan crisis may have in Europe in terms of security, terrorism and migration," Le Drian noted.

Moreover, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio asserted that they represent the EU's support for Libya as it moves towards peace.

"Italy and Europe are still convinced that there can be no military solution to the Libyan crisis," Di Maio said.

On his part, the UN envoy to Libya Jan Kubis stressed that all Libyans are calling for the need for foreign forces and mercenaries to leave the country, adding that the new unity government is concerned with providing the best conditions for the success of the transitional phase in Libya.

Kubis continued, "The transitional authorities must be supported there to achieve goals that meet the aspirations of Libyans."