Algeria grants itself power to intervene in Libya
Although Algeria has long maintained its neutrality on the fighting in neighboring Libya, it has amended its constitution to allow itself to take military action if needed.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi unveiled the Cairo Declaration initiative June 6 to end nine years of civil war in neighboring Libya. The plan calls for a cease-fire, an elected presidential council with representatives from Libya’s three regions and an 18-month transition period until elections are held.
“There can be no stability in Libya unless peaceful means to end the crisis are found that include the unity and integrity of the national institutions,” Sisi told a press conference in Cairo, flanked by Libya’s eastern military strongman Khalifa Hifter and the speaker of the Tobruk-based parliament, Aguila Saleh.
Egypt backs Hifter, whose self-styled Libyan National Army is fighting the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, which in turn is supported by Turkey.
As the Egyptian plan was rejected by the Tripoli-based government and Ankara, Egypt threatened military action in Libya June 20 if Turkey-backed Libyan forces advanced on the oil-rich city of Sirte. The threat has led to a halt of military escalation on the ground, although the two rivals continued their troop buildup on the front lines.
