APS : Monday, 28 November 2016
ALGIERS- Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League Abdelkader Messahel reaffirmed, Monday in Algiers, Algeria’s position regarding the non-interference in political affairs (of Libya) and the rejection of any foreign intervention in the resolution of the crisis in Libya.
“Algeria’s position is still the same since the beginning of the crisis in Libya and we have said that there is no other option than the political solution, through a comprehensive dialogue between all Libyans without any pressure, in order to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Libya and the cohesion of its people,” Messahel said on the sidelines of the 4th plenary meeting of Sahel Region Capacity-Building Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) in Algiers.
The minister underlined that “as a neighbouring and sister country and sharing history with Libya, it is Algeria’s duty to be mindful of Libyans’ concerns,” adding however that foreign interference and military interventions “generate chaos and are not part of Algeria’s principles.”
“We hope that the solution to the crisis in Libya comes from Libyans, through an inter-Libyan dialogue without any international interventions,” said Messahel.
“Libya has highly competent women and men capable to find a solution through an inclusive dialogue,” added the minister.
In this regard, Messahel said “Algeria will continue to help all parties in Libya and to work for the restoration of peace and stability in this country, which would ensure the stability in the neighbouring countries and in the entire region.”
He also recalled the exchange of visits between Libyan and Algerian officials, and announced the forthcoming visit of the Chairman of Libya’s Presidential Council and Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord, Fayez al-Sarraj.
During the meetings held in different capitals of Sahel countries, Messahel said that all countries unanimously agreed on the need to find a political solution without any foreign intervention.
“Our aim is to find a solution for Libyans based on the national reconciliation and inclusive dialogue with the preservation of the unity of the Libyan territory,” he said, adding “we are working to achieve a common agenda for the Sahel countries and the international community, with the aim to help Libyans to resolve the conflict and not to interfere,” he concluded.
The works of the fourth plenary meeting of the GCTF Sahel Region Capacity-Building Working Group, which opened Monday in Algiers under the co-chairmanship of Algeria and Canada, will continue behind closed doors for two days.
