عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Arab League, UN, EU and AU Demand Foreign Forces Leave Libya

Turkish-trained members of Libya's special forces demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony in the coastal city al-Khums, about 120kms east of the capital Tripoli, on April 8, 2021 - AFP
Turkish-trained members of Libya's special forces demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony in the coastal city al-Khums, about 120kms east of the capital Tripoli, on April 8, 2021 - AFP
TT
20
TT

Arab League, UN, EU and AU Demand Foreign Forces Leave Libya

Turkish-trained members of Libya's special forces demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony in the coastal city al-Khums, about 120kms east of the capital Tripoli, on April 8, 2021 - AFP
Turkish-trained members of Libya's special forces demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony in the coastal city al-Khums, about 120kms east of the capital Tripoli, on April 8, 2021 - AFP

The Arab League, United Nations, European Union and the African Union on Tuesday demanded an immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya.

In a statement after a videoconference by its leaders, the Libya Quartet demanded "full compliance with the arms embargo and the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the entirety of Libya's territory."

The much-violated arms embargo has been in place since 2011, when an uprising toppled longtime Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during the regional upheaval known as the Arab Spring, AFP reported.

The UN estimates that some 20,000 foreign fighters, mainly troops from Turkey and mercenaries from Russia, Syria, Chad and Sudan, are currently deployed in the country.

In recent weeks, the possible departure of Syrian mercenaries has been raised and, this weekend, N'Djamena mentioned the arrival in Chad from Libya of several hundred Chadian mercenaries who may have contributed to the fighting that led to the death of President Idriss Deby.

During its meeting, the Libya Quartet "condemned the continued violations of the UN arms embargo and emphasized that all external military intervention in Libya is unacceptable."

It also called for "the sustained implementation of measures to fully identify and dismantle these groups."

Most Viewed

 
Arab World

Hamas Sources: Trump’s Displacement Remarks Inconsistent with US Messages

US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
TT
20
TT

Hamas Sources: Trump’s Displacement Remarks Inconsistent with US Messages

US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the war in Gaza have sparked cautious optimism for a potential ceasefire, while also raising serious concerns. During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, Trump said he expects the conflict to end “soon,” adding: “I want the war in Gaza to stop.”

However, Trump reignited controversy by referencing a proposal he once floated early in his presidency: relocating the Palestinians from Gaza and placing the enclave under US control.

While Hamas has not issued an official response, sources within the Palestinian group told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s statements are inconsistent with what is being conveyed behind the scenes.

“These remarks don’t align with what’s being shared with Hamas leadership or mediators,” they said.

They pointed to a shift in US policy and noted that recent American positions conveyed through intermediaries show a more measured approach. They also highlighted strong Arab opposition to any forced displacement from Gaza, which they say has contributed to Washington distancing itself from such ideas - regardless of Trump’s public rhetoric.

The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu also touched on the issue of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu said efforts to reach a new agreement were underway, while Trump confirmed that discussions about a new ceasefire are in progress, though he cautioned that securing the hostages’ release could be “a long process.”

Hamas sources confirmed the movement has received a new Egyptian proposal, which has also been shared with Israel, the United States, and other mediators. They linked Trump’s remarks to recent intensified mediation efforts involving Washington.

Trump’s revival of the Gaza relocation idea was interpreted by some observers as a response to questions from Israeli journalists, rather than a serious policy stance. Hamas sources downplayed the significance of the statement, suggesting it did not reflect current US efforts on the ground.

Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers recently presented a unified plan in Doha to US envoy Steve Witkoff, centered on Gaza’s reconstruction and governance - without displacing its residents. The plan was reportedly well-received and seen as a foundation for future efforts to resolve the conflict.