Moscow Reiterates Need for ‘Historic Decision’ to End Libya Conflict

Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala speaks at the Eastern Mediterranean Workshop in Antalya, Turkey on 7 December 2020. [Orhan Çiçek - Anadolu Agency]
Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala speaks at the Eastern Mediterranean Workshop in Antalya, Turkey on 7 December 2020. [Orhan Çiçek - Anadolu Agency]
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Moscow Reiterates Need for ‘Historic Decision’ to End Libya Conflict

Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala speaks at the Eastern Mediterranean Workshop in Antalya, Turkey on 7 December 2020. [Orhan Çiçek - Anadolu Agency]
Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala speaks at the Eastern Mediterranean Workshop in Antalya, Turkey on 7 December 2020. [Orhan Çiçek - Anadolu Agency]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his counterpart in the Government of National Accord (GNA) Mohamed Siala discussed in Moscow on Wednesday the developments in Libya and the prospects of a political settlement.

Lavrov reiterated the need for Libyans to make a historic decision for national reconciliation and building their country, saying Russia is keen on helping Libya resolve its problems.

The Russian FM indicated that he and his Libyan counterpart also discussed the international community’s efforts in supporting Libyans.

Commenting on the role of Cairo, Siala asserted: "The visit of the Egyptian delegation (to Libya) came very late."

He was referring to the visit of Egyptian diplomats and intelligence officials last week.

"I invite the parties who believe that the solution to the Libyan crisis has to be military to reconsider their stances, support the implementation of the peaceful solution, and help end the presence of foreign fighters," Siala said.

He also announced that his country has asked Russia’s help in evacuating foreign fighters from the country.

He also stressed that the GNA is responsible for the security and stability of the capital, Tripoli, saying: "We hope that no party will attempt to inflame the war again in Libya."

In the meantime, GNA’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Omar Maiteeq hailed an agreement by Libyan parties to resort to dialogue in solving the country’s crisis.

Determining a date for the elections is also a significant success, he said.

In an interview with Sputnik, he pointed out that the recent visit of the Egyptian delegation is the first of its kind in more than seven years.

During their meetings, Libyan and Egyptian officials discussed boosting ties, Maiteeq said.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.