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Egypt presses for political solution in Libya

Egypt recently hosted the head of the Libyan Tobruk-based parliament, Aguila Saleh, and eastern military strongman Khalifa Hifter as part of efforts to unify Libyan ranks and reach a political solution to the crisis in the country.

Egyptian parliament members attend a general session in the capital Cairo on July 20, 2020. - Egypt's parliament greenlighted behind a closed-doors session later today, the possible deployment of troops in Libya to support Cairo's ally Khalifa Haftar, if rival Turkish-backed forces recapture the city of Sirte, the house said. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
Egyptian parliament members attend a general session - later in the day, the parliament greenlighted behind a closed-door session the possible deployment of troops in Libya to support Cairo's ally Khalifa Hifter, if rival Turkish-backed forces recapture the city of Sirte, the house said, Cairo, Egypt, July 20, 2020. — AFP via Getty Images

Egypt hosted Sept. 23 head of the Libyan Tobruk-based parliament Aguila Saleh and Khalifa Hifter, commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA). 

The meeting at Al-Ittihadiya Palace was held in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, Maj. Gen. Abbas Kamel. 

It came as part of Egypt’s efforts to achieve security and stability in Libya and protect the border with Libya. During the meeting, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s support for a political solution to the Libyan crisis away from foreign interference. He also welcomed any positive steps that could lead to calm, peace, construction and development in Libya.

Libya has been witnessing war and chaos since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi’s regime in 2011, as two ruling powers have been in conflict, namely the Government of National Accord (GNA) headed by Fayez al-Sarraj that is based in Tripoli in the west of the country, and a parallel government supported by Hifter in the east.

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