Shoukry Reiterates Egypt's Keenness to Maintain Stability in Libya

On Wednesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed that Egypt is determined to continue its tireless efforts to restore stability in the North African country and preserve its security.

This came in an interview by the Middle East News Agency with Sameh Shoukry to discuss Berlin Conference II on Libya scheduled to be held next Wednesday.

Shoukry said: "The upcoming Berlin conference II comes after the current Libyan interim government assumed power and made efforts to implement all the outcomes of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) in Geneva in accordance with the agreed-upon timeframe.

During the LPDF talks, the Libyan parties agreed to pave the way for the country's presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for next December, in addition to removing all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, disbanding militias, and unifying Libyan institutions."

The Egyptian top diplomat added that the countries participating in the Berlin Conference on Libya have a responsibility to put in place all mechanisms aim to assist Libyans to achieve these goals, stressing that Egypt will contribute to this and continue its close coordination with all Libyan parties, whether the government or politicians in the House of Representatives.

The Egyptian FM also called for stopping destructive foreign interference that fuels pision in Libya.

Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s support for Libya's 5+5 Joint Military Commission, which is concerned with unifying the security and military institutions in Libya.

Egypt has been pushing for a political settlement in Libya for years, calling for a ceasefire, a complete disarming of militias, an end to foreign intervention in the country, and a fair distribution of wealth between various regions within the country.

Last month, Libya's parliament voted to back the unity government led by interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba. The government was selected through a UN-supported process by Libyan delegates.

The Egyptian foreign ministry welcomed the confidence vote, saying Egypt seeks to work with the Libyan Government of National Unity during the interim stage to implement the political roadmap.