FM Lamamra: “We Reject Military Intervention in Libya”

Algeria confirmed once again its commitment to the peaceful political solution for the Libyan crisis which noticed a dangerous development recently, after the US raid on Sabratha against a training camp of the terrorist organization ISIS.

During the presence of the US State Secretary for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon, the Algerian Foreign and International Cooperation Affairs Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, explained on Sunday, the position of Algeria towards the Libyan crisis, and asserted  the need to fight terrorism in this country; “Within the framework of international law and with respect for the sovereignty, security and stability of this country”. 

This position expressed the categorical expresses Algeria’s rejection of a foreign military intervention in Libya, in the belief that it will be complicate the security problems in the Maghreb region and the Africa Sahel, and will not solve the crisis.

Lamamra said, in a statement to the press after the talks which brought him together with the US administrator, that the two sides “We reviewed the situation in Libya, and I agree with Shannon that the two countries are committed to the need for a peaceful and political solution to the Libyan crisis, to fight against terrorism within the framework of international legitimacy, and in light of respecting the security and stability of this country.”

“Two sides also agreed on a number of points that were included in the agenda of this meeting, highlighting the need to pursue the political solution that correspond with the international legitimacy on all the crises and conflicts, especially in our region.”

“We also review the usefulness and activity of the United Nations with regard to reaching a peaceful solution to the Western Sahara issue, as well as the joint work that is done by the two countries in order to help Mali overcome and resolve the crisis in the north of the country.”

Secretary-General of the United Nations, will pay a visit to Algeria on 6 and 7 March, and the visit is expected to focused on terrorist threats in North Africa and the Middle East. 

It is not unlikely that the two sides will review the volatile situation in Libya and its repercussions on the whole region. 

Lamamra pointed to the “agreement” between the two parties because the bilateral relationships “are developing positively”, and highlighted the aspiration of Algeria and the United States to more achievements on the path of diversifying and developing this partnership.

For his part, Shannon said he talked with Lamamra about the situation in Libya, especially the “fight against terrorism and helping the Libyans and the government of national reconciliation in this country, and its institutions to exercise their full sovereignty in their country, allowing Libya to lift the future challenges.” 

“Algeria is playing an important role at the regional level, and USA appreciates and respects this role.”