Algiers 27-28 May 2014 : The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of neighboring countries of Libya held a consultative meeting on 27-28 May 2014, on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), with the participation of the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Dr. Nabil El-Arabi, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on the current unfolding of events in the country of Libya and its grave repercussions on neighbouring countries. A discussion took place on adequate frameworks and mechanisms to provide support to Libya so that it can overcome the difficult stage it is undergoing.

The consultative meeting was chaired by Mr. Ramtane Lamamra,  Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, with the participation of:

HE Moussa Faki Mahamat,  Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration of Chad

• HE Kamel-Eddine Ismail Sahid,  Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan
• HE Mohamed Abeldaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya
• HE Nabil Fahmi, Minister Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt
• HE Mohamed Bazoum, Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Diaspora of the Republic of Niger
• HE El Mongi Hamdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia. 

The Foreign Minister of Libya, HE Mr. Mohamed Abdelaziz, delivered a statement on the current situation in Libya and expressed hopes that the neighbouring countries of Libya would quickly help the various parties of Libya to push forward the national dialogue. Heads of participating delegations delivered statements in which they exchanged views on the appropriate approach that can be adopted to encourage and help all the parties in Libya to engage in serious and inclusive dialogue. 

The Participants expressed their deep concern about the situation experienced by Libya and the repercussions on its security and stability and direct effect on neighbouring countries.  They also expressed their entire solidarity with the Libyan people and for the safeguarding of the sovereignty, territorial integrity of Libya, rejecting all forms of interference in its domestic affairs. 

Participants called on all Libyan parties and actors to stop violent acts of all kinds, to resort to dialogue, and respond to the legitimate demands of Libya, which aspires to stability, security, peace, and development.  All efforts must be made to prevent further bloodshed, to preserve Libyan national security, to prevent bloodshed, preserve local peace to ensure the safety and peace of Libyan citizens and foiling all forms of attempts to destabilize Libya. 

The Participants reaffirmed their support to the Libyan efforts, endeavours and initiatives to lay the groundwork for national dialogue, concord, national reconciliation, transitional justice, and the strengthening of the pillars of the State institutions, the processes in a safe and stable environment. 

As part of the efforts to support this process, the Participants reaffirmed the concerted efforts to help Libya to build bridges through a joint mechanism of the neighbouring countries in coordination and cooperation with the Secretary General of the Arab League and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Chairperson; inviting them to speedily elaborate a common vision and roadmap based on the will of the Libyan people and to submit the this for adoption at the next meeting of Ministers of the Neighbours of Libya. 

It was agreed, upon the proposal the Head of the Tunisian delegation that the next ministerial meeting of neighbours of Libya be held in Tunisia.  

Furthermore, the Participants discussed the possibility to dispatch a high level delegation from Neighboring countries to Libya, in coordination with the Libyan authorities, to express the solidarity of neighboring countries with the Libyan people, and encourage all parties to push forward an inclusive national dialogue amongst Libyans without foreign interference. 

The Participants insisted on the paramount importance that the neighbouring countries attach on securing the borders with Libya, the necessity of cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism, arms and drugs trafficking and illegal immigration. Participants welcome the offer of Egypt to host a Ministerial meeting of Neighbours of Libya and with Libya, dedicated to border security. 

Concerning the information coverage of the situation in Libya by various media, Participants stressed the need for objective journalism, accuracy and the protection of the national interests of Libya. 

Participants expressed their thanks and appreciation to the countries, regional and international organisations, concerned by the situation in Libya and their support for its stability and security during this difficult period. They also stressed the importance of building partnerships among all these countries, international and regional organisations and bodies and Libya’s neighbours. 

Finally, Ministers and Heads of delegations expressed their profound thanks and appreciation to Algeria for having hosted this meeting.

 

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