On Friday, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, called for the urgent departure of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya. He confirmed his country’s support for international efforts to end the political crisis and foreign interference in Libya.
According to a statement by the French Foreign Ministry, Le Drian met with the United Nations’ (UN) Special Envoy on Libya, Jan Kubiš, and discussed ways to support the political transition.
The statement added that Le Drian stressed the importance of a smooth transition to the elections scheduled for the end of 2021. He stressed the importance of expediting the formation and installation of an inclusive and representative government.
Le Drian also underscored the need to fully implement the ceasefire agreed upon on October 23rd, 2020, including the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries.
The French Foreign Minister informed Kubiš of France’s support for the UN’s efforts to end the political crisis in Libya and ensure the removal of foreign interference.
This comes while Turkey is delaying the withdrawal of its forces and mercenary militias from Libya.
Turkey announced that its forces will remain in Libya as long as the bilateral military agreement is “in effect” between the two sides, despite the formation of a new Libyan government.
In a statement, the Turkish Presidency confirmed that these forces will remain in Libya as long as the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) requires this.