The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has arrived this morning in Tripoli and met with the Head of the Presidential Council Fayez Al-Sirraj, in addition to the Foreign Minister Mohammed Sayala, the French ambassador to Libya Brigitte Curmi and other officials.
Le Drian and the Libyan officials reviewed, according to the media office of Al-Sirraj, issues of joint interest and the French support for Libya, vowing more support for the “government of national accord” and the efforts of the UNSMIL’s Head Ghassan Salame in his action plan that will see holding presidential and parliamentary elections in 2018.
“France’s support for peace and stability in Libya won’t stop despite all hurdles.” Le Drian told Al-Sirraj Thursday.
Migration, human trafficking fight was on the table in the meeting, with Al-Sirraj stressing that the fight against those issues is a responsibility that lies on the shoulders of all parties and not Libya alone, adding that Libya needs assistance in securing its southern borders via which the influx of illegal migrants goes.
“France should take part in supporting Libya’s security apparatuses in securing the borders and in monitoring the border crossing with neighbor countries in the south.” Al-Sirraj told the French FM.
He also hailed France’s efforts in hosting Paris meeting in last July, when he met with Khalifa Haftar and agreed to cease military operations and start with preparations for elections, adding that the lack of commitment of “some parties” to the Paris agreement could confuse the situation in Libya and abort Paris efforts; in a clear reference to Haftar’s military escalation.
“We are ready to commit our government to the agreements that will be struck by the House of Representatives and the High Council of State as well as the efforts of the UNSMIL’s Head. We are also supporting the efforts to hold elections next year and backed up the High National Elections Commission in the launch of the voters’ registration procedure. Thus, the HoR must pass an elections law and put the constitution to a referendum so that the new shape of state in Libya can start to take effect next year.” Al-Sirraj remarked.
