Libya urges intl. community to help in fighting militants
Iran Press TV
Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:15PM
Libya's internationally-recognized prime minister has urged world leaders to provide his government with more help in the battle against militants or the country will turn into a safe haven for terrorists.
"In Libya, the government and armed forces are battling these [militant] groups alone, without any support from the international community,' Abdullah al-Thinni said in the eastern Libyan city of al-Baida on Monday.
'The international community must cooperate with Libya to put an end to extremism and terrorism and help government institutions, namely the army, by lifting the arms embargo,' he added.
Back in 2011, the United Nations Security Council slapped sanctions against Libya in the wake of the nationwide uprising that led to the ouster of the country's long-serving dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.
Thinni also warned that Libya may turn into a safe haven for Takfiri terrorists who currently control swathes of land in Syria and Iraq, thus posing a significant challenge to the security and stability of the world.
'We are afraid that the groups that are in Syria and Iraq will infiltrate Libya," he stated.
Libya's government and elected parliament moved to the eastern city of Tobruk after an armed group from the northwestern city of Misrata seized Tripoli and most government institutions in August 2014.
The new Tripoli rulers have set up a rival parliament and government not recognized by the international community.
Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.
The country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms.
FNR/HMV/SS
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
