The Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed the need for “a high national spirit, in order to resolve the Libyan conflict and to set aside differences and personal interests.”
In televised statements, Tebboune said: “Without a very high patriotic spirit, it is difficult to resolve the Libyan conflict.” He noted that Algeria went through a similar crisis in the 1990’s when it suffered from terrorism, but it “witnessed a prevailing national interest to cross the impasse.”
In his statements about the strength of the relationship between Libya and Algeria, Tebboune added: “Our destiny is shared with our brothers in Libya.”
During a joint press conference with the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi, he expressed optimism that the Libyan crisis would soon be resolved.
The President also expressed the hope that 2023 will “be the year of the end of the tragedy for the Libyans, and that the elections will be held without external interference.”
Last month, Tebboune and Egypt’s, Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi affirmed the need to push for Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Libya, as soon as possible.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Arab summit in Algeria. They stressed the importance of preserving Libyan institutions, achieving security and stability, and preserving the unity and sovereignty of Libya.
El-Sisi and Tebboune also agreed on the need to strengthen the role of security forces in combating terrorism, and maximising international efforts to expel all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.
“The two Presidents agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination frameworks between the two brotherly countries regarding the Libyan crisis,” a statement said.
Egyptian officials have repeatedly noted their recognition of the Parliament-designated government as the legitimate government of Libya, and not the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down. In response, the country’s eastern-based Parliament appointed a rival Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.