Abdelhakim Belhadj: “I visited Algeria twice”

The leader of the conservative Islamist al-Watan Party and former head of Tripoli Military Council Abdelhakim Belhadj talked to Echorouk in an interview about his visits to Algeria. He denied allegations that he would be involved in providing Belmokhtar’s group with arms used in the Tiguentourine attack.

Algeria launched a political endeavor to solve the Libyan crisis. Are you involved in it?

We are in contact with our brothers in Algeria. We hail the Algerian government and officials’ permanent position which seeks stability in Libya.

The Algerian endeavor satisfies everyone. Algeria was not involved in worsening the situation. It rejected foreign intervention. Because of that, we say yes to the Algerian initiative.

As part of the initiative, did you visit Algeria?

I paid two visits to Algeria. The last one was about a month ago. I met senior officials and talked to them about the general situation in Libya and how to get out from the crisis. They insisted on the political solution and the only way to solve the crisis.

Sources said you are not allowed to enter Algeria.

No need to get an invitation to go and visit our brothers in Algeria. We try to maintain consultation ties and discuss many issues including a possible solution to the Libyan crisis.

Recent reports said you played a role in providing the Tiguentourine attackers with arms. How do you respond?

Violence takes place everywhere. Yet, reports about my involvement are baseless. I am against any attempts to hit Algeria, Tunisia or Egypt’s stability.

Daech is a new element in the Libyan scene. Is it that strong as it is reported by media?

We are against this organization. We rely on union and solidarity to face any terror act. We were sorry for the Egyptian innocent victims.

Terrorism has neither identity nor country. We have to be unified. I call on everyone to stand against terrorism. We are against those practices.

What is your comment about the Egyptian air strike? Is it possible to face any foreign force which carries out a military action in Libya?

Regarding the Egyptian intervention, we condemn any interference in Libya’s domestic affairs. What happened is inacceptable. What happened is that Egypt’s air forces intervened to kill innocents. This was reported by media and witnesses. Because of that, I filed a lawsuit against Egypt’s air forces for killing innocents including children.

We refuse that Egypt exports its internal problems to us. We condemn any act which hits our neighbors’ stability and security. Libya’s security is a domestic issue. We will not let terrorism hurt Libya and its people. We are able to face any one because we reject foreign interference.