Merkel Lauds Sisi's Efforts to Settle Libyan Crisis, Cairo Declaration

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel exchanged views on the developments of the Libyan issue in the light of Egyptian sponsorship of the Cairo Declaration Initiative.

“During a phone call on Monday, the German Chancellor welcomed the Egyptian initiative,” said Presidency Spokesperson Ambassador Bassam Rady.

Merkel believed that the Cairo Declaration is an extension of the Berlin Conference path by adding new effective elements and dimensions to the Libyan political process.

“The German chancellor praised the Egyptian Constructive efforts to settle the Libyan crisis,” Rady added.

On his part, President Sisi affirmed Egypt’s keenness to reach a comprehensive political settlement in Libya through what was stipulated in the initiative to achieve stability and security in the neighboring country, to preserve the capabilities of the Libyan people and activating their free will, and putt an end to illegal foreign interventions.

[caption id="attachment_104518" align="aligncenter" width="990"] Sisi Talks to Russian President Putin and German Chancellor Merkel on Fringe of Berlin Conference on Libya[/caption]

The spokesman stated that Sisi and Merkel also discussed some issues of bilateral relations between the two countries, especially those of the military and trade, as well as strengthening cooperation on combating the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Egyptian Initiative to Solve Libyan Crisis

On Saturday, Sisi received Libyan Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh and Libyan National Army Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Cairo and announced an initiative to end the conflict in neighbouring country.

The Cairo Declaration emphasizes the unity, integrity, and independence of the Libyan lands, respecting all international efforts, initiatives, and relevant Security Council resolutions, and accordingly, the commitment of all parties to the ceasefire from June 8, 2020.

[caption id="attachment_130745" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi (c), Libyan Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh (L) and LNA Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar (R)- Press Photo[/caption]

The initiative is mainly based on the outcomes of the Berlin Summit, which resulted in a comprehensive political solution that includes clear implementation steps (political, security, and economic tracks) and the respect for human rights and international human rights law.

A few hours after the Egyptian initiative was announced in Cairo, Russia, France and the United States expressed their support to the initiative to solve the crisis in Libya.