Benghazi residents hopeful over Palermo meeting as security situation improves
107 views · Published 18 November 2018 · 3:13 · Indexed 24 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(13 Nov 2018) Representatives of Libya's quarrelling factions and countries keen on stabiliaing the North African nation have participated in meetings in Sicily, as Italy encourages a political settlement that could bolster the fight against Islamic militants and human trafficking. Expectations going into the meeting were limited, however, some Benghazi residents expressed hope towards an agreement between the country's rival political parties. "Personally, I hope that such conferences will push forward the process of reconciliation and push for political parties to be closer and that there will be a greater impact on the political parties", said Wael Ashibi, Benghazi Resident. The summit was marked by the abrupt pullout of Turkey, which objected to having been excluded from a mini-summit Premier Giuseppe Conte hosted on the sidelines, and that a key player, General Khalifa Hifter, commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army confirmed that he wasn't participating in the conference itself but rather meeting with leaders of neighbouring countries on the sidelines. Libya plunged into chaos after the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, and it is now governed by rival administrations in the east and west with both relying on the support of militias. It has also become a haven for Islamic militants and armed groups, including several from neighbouring countries, which survive on looting and human trafficking, particularly in the remote south of the country. Captain Tariq Al-Kharraz, spokesman of Benghazi Security Directorate believes the ongoing violence is a political message from the extremist groups. "Extremist groups try to deliver their political messages and to spread terror both to citizens and to the outside world from the city of Benghazi. Because they are trying to question the victories of the armed forces and the role of the security forces", he said. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/8aa7c90baf47b2c440774e5dad9acd01
