Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf indicated that foreign military interventions exacerbated the Libyan crisis.
In press statements following his meeting with UN Envoy Abdullah Bathily, Attaf explained that it would not have lasted without these continuous interventions that fueled the division among Libyans and complicated the efforts to reach political agreements to resolve the conflict.
Algeria believes external interference in Libyan internal affairs is at the center of the national crisis and the heart of the conflict said the FM.
Attaf stressed that Algeria “completely rejects these interventions,” calling for an end to all their political or military forms. He indicated that the interventions have further complicated the efforts to help parties formulate the necessary political agreements to resolve the issues.
It is crucial to address this issue by resorting to the resolutions adopted by the Security Council and by upholding the pledges that resulted from the various international forums, including the First and Second Berlin Conferences.
Bathily’s visit comes within the framework of his mission to contain internal disputes and bring about rapprochement between the parties.
Political sources said Enovy’s discussions with Attaf addressed the upcoming elections and reconciliation efforts between the disputing parties.
According to the Algerian Foreign Ministry, Attaf stated that his country will continue its full support and involvement in the UN and the African Union efforts.
He noted that the UN and AU tracks are interconnected in their endeavor and complementary in their purpose, adding that they support each other in achieving the ultimate goal of ending the crisis, turning the page on divisions, and restoring cohesion in Libya.
The UN seeks to provide the legal and political conditions for the elections’ success, said Attaf, asserting that it is a permanent and sustainable solution to the crisis in Libya, requiring a path for national reconciliation that the AU can promote as a consensus platform that brings all Libyans together.
He asserted that Libya needs real support from the international community to overcome the challenges imposed by the current stage and strive hard to end the crisis that has afflicted the nation.
Algeria welcomed the efforts to adopt the necessary legal framework of the elections and the AU-sponsored meetings, with the participation of all Libyan political factions, in preparation for a national reconciliation conference.
Since the outbreak of the crisis in 2011, Algeria has been subject to armed infiltration and weapons smuggling across its border with Libya.
The Algerian army often published reports and pictures of arrests and weapons seizures, which prompted the authorities to launch efforts to help end the crisis, limit its threats, and oppose external interference to find a consensual solution that satisfies all parties in Libya.
Algiers proposed hosting Libyan parties for meetings several times, aiming to reach a consensus that would pave the way for general elections.
