Egyptian FM Calls For Ending Foreign Interference in Libya

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Reuters
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Reuters
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Egyptian FM Calls For Ending Foreign Interference in Libya

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Reuters
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Reuters

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Wednesday called for the halt of foreign interference in Libya and expressed support for a political solution.

In remarks on the sidelines of the 155th session of the Arab League Council, Shoukry indicated that Egypt exerted relentless efforts to reach a peace settlement in Libya.

As for the Syrian crisis, he said the country has been in a vicious circle for 10 years.

“The Syrian people have been suffering, without hope for a better near-future,” Shoukry noted, indicating that returning Syria as an effective and stable country is vital to maintain Arab national security.

On Palestine, Shoukry affirmed Egypt's keenness to keep the Palestinian cause on the international agenda, stressing the Palestinian issue had been subjected to a deep crisis during the previous period.

Further, the Egyptian top envoy condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed support to Saudi leadership.

“We fully support Saudi Arabia’s efforts in defending themselves from the Houthi militia.”

In another context, Shoukry appreciated the Arab role in supporting Egypt and Sudan's stance on the issue of the Renaissance Dam.

"We did not wish to detract any party’s right. We are seeking to reach an agreement that guarantees our legitimate rights and does not detract from Ethiopia's right to development and the rights of Egypt and Sudan in the waters of the Nile," the FM said.



Syria President Vows those Involved in Church Attack will Face Justice

The attack was the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December - AFP
The attack was the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December - AFP
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Syria President Vows those Involved in Church Attack will Face Justice

The attack was the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December - AFP
The attack was the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December - AFP

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed Monday that those involved in a "heinous" suicide attack on a Damascus church a day earlier would face justice, calling for unity in the country.

The shooting and suicide bombing Sunday at the church in the working-class Dwelaa district of the Syrian capital killed 25 people and wounded 63, the health ministry said, raising an earlier toll of 22 killed.

The authorities said the attacker was affiliated with the Islamic State group.

"We promise... that we will work night and day, mobilising all our specialized security agencies, to capture all those who participated in and planned this heinous crime and to bring them to justice," Sharaa said in a statement, AFP reported.

The attack "reminds us of the importance of solidarity and unity of the government and the people in facing all that threatens our nation's security and stability", he added.

Condemnation has continued to pour in from the international community after the attack -- the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since the toppling of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

It was also the first inside a church in Syria since the country's civil war erupted in 2011, according to a monitor, in a country where security remains one of the new authorities' greatest challenges.

Since the new authorities took power, the international community has repeatedly urged the government to protect minorities and ensure their participation in Syria's transition, particularly after sectarian violence in recent months.