NTC representative slams Algerian authorities over the Libyan revolution
The former representative of the Libyan National Transitional Council Djoumaa Lekmati has reacted from the UK against the declarations made by Abdelhakim Belhadj who denied the implication of the Algerian authorities in the case of mercenaries.
- He has indicated that the new Libyan authorities have forwarded an extensive document to the Arab League over the issue, but this doesn’t mean that Algeria was directly involved in the sending of the mercenaries, noting that convoys passed through the Algerian soil with the complicity of other parties declining to name them.
- In an extensive interview made to Echourouk from Dubai, the militant who is due to return to his country, has brushed aside any danger of arms proliferation in Libya putting forward the example of Algeria during the crisis of the 1990s that didn’t undermine the stability of the Libyan state.
- Echourouk: There is a large feeling in Algeria that the members of the NTC are launching a campaign against the Algerian authorities, why all this animosity against a brotherly state?
- Lekmati: We owe all respect to the Algerian people and there is not any problem at all. The Algerian people stood by their Libyan counterpart during the glorious revolution… when we criticized Algeria we didn’t mean the people but the politics.
- Echourouk: We’ve heard a lot about mercenaries passing through the Algerian soil but you didn’t show any evidence about these allegations?
- Lekmati: The NTC and several top Libyan officers have clear evidence that the Algerian authorities or maybe some executives have backed forces loyal to Al – Queddafi especially during the first weeks of the outbreak of the events when planes were transporting mercenaries from Sbaa to Benghazi and Tripoli. These planes stopped operating one day before the putting into force the UN no –fly-zone. Moreover, other parties allowed the passage of fuel and ammunitions through the Algerian soil and everybody knows that the weapons will be used o kill the Libyan people; We are not asserting that the mercenaries and weapons are Algerians but it is certain that they crossed the Algerian soil.
- Echourouk: Do we have to conclude that you still blaming Algeria?
- Lekmati: Once again, we don’t blame the Algerian people but the authorities and the Algerian foreign ministry; as to the Algerian people, I would say we owe due respect.
- Echourouk: How do you imagine the future diplomatic ties between the two countries?
- Lekmati: We will establish sustainable relationships based on mutual respect without interfering in each other’s internal affairs. We belong to the same great Maghreb and want to live in peace and harmony.