Libya can only restore its sovereignty, unity and aspired stability by addressing the primary issue impeding this, namely the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries on its territories, said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Their presence in Libya violates Security Council Resolutions 2570 and 2571, as well as the internationally and regionally approved outcomes of the Second Berlin Conference on Libya, decisions of the Arab League, the African Union, and Libya’s neighboring countries regarding the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries without exceptions, discrimination or further procrastination, he stressed.
Sisi’s remarks were made in his speech during the Paris international conference on Libya, which was held in the French capital on Friday.
“Certain requirements for restoring long-term stability, achieving social peace, and preserving identity and national fabric cannot be ignored,” Egypt’s state-run Middle East News Agency (MENA) quoted Sisi as saying.
These requirements include “completing comprehensive national reconciliation among all Libyans and ensuring equitable distribution of resources to achieve comprehensive development across Libya.”
The situation in Libya is improving, Sisi affirmed, adding that the Libyan political process is passing through a decisive phase that aims to hold elections as scheduled on Dec. 24.
He hailed the procedures followed by the Libyan Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity to prepare for the elections.
“I also commend the parliament’s efforts and coordination with the Libyan High National Election Commission, which is working hard in this regard,” he stated.
Friday’s meeting comes almost two years after the Berlin summit on Libya, when parties pledged to protect the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and committed to support the UN efforts in launching a comprehensive and sustainable political process under a Libyan leadership and sovereignty, in an attempt to end the conflict and restore stability.
