UN-brokered Talks on Libya Elections Resume in Cairo
Cairo, Jun 12 (AP) Libyan officials returned to the Egyptian capital Sunday for a third round of talks on constitutional amendments for elections. The talks in Cairo come on the heels of clashes between rival militias that caused residents of the Libyan capital of Tripoli to panic and revived nightmares of previous bouts of fighting in the chaos-stricken nation. The dispute over the constitutional framework of the election was among major challenges that caused planned national elections to fail in December. The failure to hold the vote was a major blow to international efforts to end decade of chaos in Libya. On Friday, clashes broke out in Tripoli between rival militias, spurring residents to take shelter and women and children to flee a busy park as artillery shells flew across the night sky.
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 17:39 UTC
UNSMIL voices concern over developments in Libyan capital
CAIRO - 12 June 2022: The United Nations Support in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern over recent developments in the Libyan capital Tripoli. In a statement, a copy of which MENA obtained Sunday, the mission said it received reports about the deployment of groups armed with heavy weapons in Tripoli areas which poses danger to civilians. It said that such developments come at a very sensitive time of wide political polarization, pointing out that the mission and international partners exert strenuous efforts to improve conditions in the north African country and pave the way for talks leading to writing a constitutional framework and holding national elections in the nearest chance. It appealed to all Libyan security and political parties to exercise the maximum level of responsibility and put an end to differences.
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 14:31 UTC
Italian diplomats discuss latest Libya developments with Abdullah Al-Lafi
Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Council, Abdullah Al-Lafi, held a meeting on Sunday with Italian Special Envoy to Libya, Nicola Orlando, and Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Buccino, at the council’s headquarters in Tripoli. According to a statement by the council, Al-Lafi and the Italian diplomats discussed “developments in the political scene in Libya”. Al-Lafi “stressed the importance of the success of all tracks, foremost of which is the meeting of the members of the joint committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State in Cairo”. For their part, Orlando and Buccino stressed “the importance of continuing the political track in Libya, to hold presidential and parliamentary elections,” according to the council’s statement.
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 11:24 UTC
libya: UN: brokered talks on Libya elections resume in Cairo
CAIRO: Libyan officials returned to the Egyptian capital Sunday for a third round of talks on constitutional amendments for elections. The North African nation once again finds itself at a political impasse with two rival administrations claiming legitimacy. "In the previous two rounds of talks, the parties came to an initial consensus on 137 articles of the constitutional draft, including on rights and freedoms. Authorities in Tripoli said an investigation was opened.Williams, the UN adviser, condemned the fighting, saying in a Twitter post, "Enough is enough!" The country has for years been split between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by different militias and foreign governments.
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 10:17 UTC
EU launches €5 million project to support Libyan economic institutions
The European Union has launched the E-NABLE project, which objective is to support major Libyan economic institutions in adopting digital economic governance tools and improving digital services provided to companies, according to a statement by the the ministry of economy affiliated with Dbeibeh’s government. The project, which extends for three years (2022-2025), aims to enhance a stimulating and supportive business environment for investment and strengthen the private sector that in turn would contribute to economic growth in Libya, the EU stated. For his part, the EU Ambassador to Libya, Jose Sabadell, said that digitization and keeping pace with governance systems are among the main priorities of the bloc. He disclosed that the EU has invested heavily in this area and is cooperating with partners to move forward with digital transformation, especially in Libya. The €5 million E-NABLE project will be implemented by Expertise France and includes key Libyan economic institutions, such as the ministries of economy and trade, planning and finance, the Central Bank of Libya, and chambers of commerce.
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 09:44 UTC
Congressional hearings make for historic moments, but their ultimate impact varies
The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riots opened with a highly orchestrated, prime-time event on Thursday that was watched by 20 million viewers, but history has shown that some of the most memorable hearings don't always produce lasting results. While congressional hearings have led to watershed moments in U.S. history, these hearings will address new subject matter for the nation, including accusations that a defeated president orchestrated an attack on the Capitol to overturn election results.
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 09:34 UTC
UN: Final round of Libyan elections talks starts today in Cairo
The final round of elections talks between the joint committee of the House of Representatives and High Council of State will start today in Cairo, announced the U.N. Advisor on Libya Stephanie Williams yesterday. Williams stated via Twitter that this round of talks will “go through 19 June to establish the constitutional framework required to take the country to national elections as soon as possible.”
Source:Libya Today
June 12, 2022 07:46 UTC
UN concerned over Libya clashes, urges ‘maximum restraint’
Long-running tensions between Turkey and Greece flare upANKARA: Following Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ address to the US Congress last month, long-running tensions between Turkey and Greece are flaring up again. “Erdogan issues a warning to Greece over Aegean Sea disputes, threatening a repeat of the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922 in which Greece was brutally defeated by Turkey. For Ankara, islands in the Aegean Sea were given to Greece under the Lausanne Treaty in 1923 and the Paris Treaty in 1947, which guarantee the islands’ unarmed status. The mechanism aimed at reducing the risk of “accidents” and “incidents” in the East Mediterranean by creating a hotline between the two counties. “In the absence of such bargain, domestic or geopolitical factors would continue to revive and amplify the tensions,” she added.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 21:39 UTC
Libya — a tale of two governments, again
Libya — a tale of two governments, againHafed Al-GhwellForces loyal to Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, one of Libya's two premiers, secure the streets of Tripoli on May, 17, 2022. It is a stark reminder of how alliances, affiliations and loyalties governed by shared interests are constantly shifting in Libya. Much like in the Charles Dickens novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ this might be the best of times and the worst of times for Libyans. Overall, the current situation in Libya is almost the worst possible scenario in terms of hopes for conflict resolution and de-escalation. Much like in the Charles Dickens novel “A Tale of Two Cities,” this might be the best of times and the worst of times for Libyans.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 20:33 UTC
A Raging Gulf
A Raging GulfBy Agencies Published: Updated On - 12:48 AM, Sun - 12 June 22The Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre is facing a huge diplomatic outrage from Gulf countries after its spokesperson and leader made derogatory references to Islam and Prophet Muhammad. The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and UAE — was joined by Indonesia, the Maldives, Jordan, Libya and Afghanistan in condemning the ‘hurtful comments’. India also depends on oil-rich Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, to power its energy-thirsty economy. Of about 32 million non-resident Indians (NRIs), nearly half are estimated to be working in Gulf countries. He intensified the ‘Look West’ policy, by focusing on three main axes: Arab Gulf countries, Israel and Iran.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 19:34 UTC
Tunisia rejects attempts to divide Libya, President Saied says
Tunisian President Kais Saied says that Tunisia rejects any attempts to divide Libya, as he reiterated his country's permanent readiness to support efforts towards a political settlement that paves the way for development and reconstruction, as he put it. A Libyan delegation headed by Al-Manqoush participated in the joint consultation session between Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya in Tunis. He emphasized that security and stability in Libya mean stability in Tunisia. The statement said Al-Manqoush briefed Saied on the latest developments in Libya and efforts to find a political way out through genuine inclusive dialogue. On Friday, Al-Manqoush headed Libya's delegation in the tripartite consultation session that included Tunisian Foreign Minister Othman Al-Jarandi and Algerian Ramtane Lamamra.
Source:Libya Observer
June 11, 2022 19:12 UTC
A moment to answer the door, and Fiori’s world was torn apart
Fiori Giovanni has been appointed a Kidsafe ambassador to educate parents that it only takes 20 seconds for a young child to drown. Credit:Joe Armao Odis, 2½ years old, and Illen, 7½ months, are playing happily with their toys in the bath. They call triple zero and frantically take turns trying to revive Illen while they wait for the ambulance to arrive. Fiori Giovanni with her son, Odis. Police notify child protection services, who say Giovanni can only see her son, Odis, under supervision, even though Odis’ father, Bellinger, tells them she is a great mum.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 19:02 UTC
Libyan capital militia clashes concern UN
The United Nations mission to Libya has expressed concern over clashes in Tripoli after a night of heavy fire between militias in the capital. Some accused two of the city's powerful militias of infighting. In response, the country's east-based politicians have elected a rival prime minister, Fathy Bashagha, a powerful former interior minister who is now operating a separate administration out of the city of Sirte. His rival, Bashagha, in a series of tweets called on armed groups to surrender their weapons. Last month, Bashagha entered Tripoli and attempted to install his government there but left within hours after fighting broke out that killed one person.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 18:32 UTC
UN says concerned over Libya clashes, urges efforts for calm
Placeholder while article actions loadCAIRO — The United Nations mission to Libya expressed concern Saturday over clashes in Tripoli, after a night of heavy fire between militias in the capital. Some accused two of the city’s powerful militias of infighting. Libya has for years been split between rival administrations in the east and the west, each supported by various well-armed militias and foreign governments. His rival, Bashagha, in a series of Tweets called on armed groups to surrender their weapons. Last month, Bashagha entered Tripoli and attempted to install his government there, but left within hours after fighting broke out that killed one person.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 16:48 UTC
Government promises to further strengthen relations with Libya – Minister Ian Borg
The visit of Minister Najra M. El Mangosh symbolizes the strong relationship between Malta and Libya and will confirm that it will be further strengthened in all areas, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ian Borg, after an official meeting with Libya‘■ Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Minister Borg said Malta embodies important values in Malta’s foreign policy, such as cooperation and friendship., Active participation. During the official meeting, Malta’s Foreign Minister also discussed the current situation in Libya and described how Malta can contribute to this process of stability. Minister Borg said Malta will continue to move forward and support Libya in Europe and internationally.
Source:Libya Today
June 11, 2022 16:36 UTC