Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, confirmed that Egypt has always warned of the spread of terrorism in Libya. He stressed that Cairo “has not, and will not tolerate terrorism, and its supporters. It will not fail to take every measure to prevent Libya, and its noble people to fall under the control of terrorist groups, and armed militias”.
During his participation in the Arab League meeting, held on Tuesday, Shoukry stressed Egypt’s steadfast stance on the Libyan crisis, noting that “Cairo was keen to work through all diplomatic means, to bring the views of different Libyans together with national orientations. It was involved in all international initiatives aimed at reaching a political settlement in Libya,”. This leads to the embrace of the Libyan-led political initiative, dubbed the ‘Cairo Declaration’ launched on the 6th of June.
He confirmed Egypt’s keenness on the success of the Berlin Conference’s political, economic, and military tracks. Especially through the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, “that will put in place the agreed security, and military arrangements”. He stressed Egypt’s strong support for this, in coordination with the efforts of the United Nations.
Shoukry also emphasized the importance of working to restore the Libyan economy, through “reforming the institutions under the Parliament’s view. Activating the National Oil Corporation, and the Central Bank in a framework of transparency, equitable distribution of wealth, and resources monitoring the exchange aspects”.
The Egyptian Minister warned of the consequences of continuing foreign intervention in Libya. He claimed that “a policy of sabotage, by the transferring of foreign mercenaries, and terrorists from Syria to Libya, in a way that destabilizes Libya’s internal security. This represents a grave threat to Arab national security”. This necessitates Arab countries to unite to end these destabilizing practices, for regional, and international peace and security.