US Renews Support for Libyan Elections, Removing Foreign Forces

Arab World

May 26th, 6:34am

Cairo - Khalid Mahmoud

Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood and Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland during their visit to Libya May 18, 2021 (US embassy website)

Washington on Tuesday reiterated its support for Libyan elections and the need for immediate withdrawal of foreign military and irregular forces from Libyan territories. US Ambassador and Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland emphasized the need to provide diplomatic and political support for all efforts made by the Libyans, as well as for the Libyan government in order to hold the elections next December. He said Washington will also provide support in line with the Libyan desire to expel foreign fighters from the country. The envoy was in Egypt on Monday for talks with officials on the situation in the region. “Egypt had played a significant role in empowering the political process in Libya,” he said, noting that all security problems in the North African country can be addressed should a government be formed there. Also, German ambassador to Libya Oliver Owcza held talks with Libyan Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity Najla Al-Manqoush to discuss Berlin’s support for the general elections, along with other issues regarding the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya. On his Twitter account, Owcza expressed hope for the best method to support the general elections and the withdrawal of all foreign forces, noting that he also discussed with the minister ways to improve the management of migration.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2992716/us-renews-support-libyan-elections-removing-foreign-forces