Egypt Parliament to Discuss Monday Sending Troops to Libya

The Egyptian parliament is expected to meet on Monday to discuss President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s decision to send troops to Libya.

The president, who is also commander of the armed forces, needs the approval of two-thirds of lawmakers and a recommendation from the national defense council before sending forces on foreign combat missions.

Sisi chaired on Sunday a meeting for the council to discuss the developments in Libya as part of Egypt’s efforts to “maintain the current frontlines” and prevent any side from crossing the declared red lines, in order to preserve peace between all Libyan parties.

Last month, the president had declared that the cities of Sirte and Jufra were “red lines” that must not be crossed. Any move on these cities would force Egypt to intervene to safeguard its national security, he added.

Sunday’s defense council meeting included the parliament speaker, prime minister, defense and military production minister, armed forces commander, navy and air force commanders, head of general intelligence, and the ministers of foreign affairs, finance and interior.

In a statement, the presidency said the council underscored that Egypt “will not spare an effort” in supporting Libya and helping its people overcome their crisis. Libya is among the “top priorities of Cairo’s foreign policy” and its security is “integral to Egyptian and Arab national security.”

It expressed its commitment to the political solution to the crisis that would ensure Libya’s sovereignty and national unity, restoration of state institutions and “elimination of terrorism and criminal and extremist militias.” The solution would put an end to “illegal meddling” in Libyan internal affairs that are only exacerbating the crisis and “threatening neighboring countries and international peace.”