Cairo: Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty has underscored the critical need for a comprehensive, Libyan-owned settlement that facilitates simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible. This declaration emphasizes Egypt's steadfast support for the unity and territorial integrity of Libya and aims to safeguard its national institutions.
According to Libyan News Agency, these comments were made during a phone conversation between Abdel-Aty and the US President's Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos. The discussion addressed several African issues, including the situations in Libya and Sudan, as well as developments in the Great Lakes region, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Horn of Africa.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry's statement highlighted Abdel-Aty's emphasis on a comprehensive political settlement in Libya that is entirely Libyan-owned. He stressed the urgency of organizing simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections to restore legitimacy to Libyan institutions. Additionally, Abdel-Aty reiterated the necessity for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries from Libyan territory and called for the dismantling of armed militias to enhance stability and security in Libya and the region.
In discussing Sudan, both parties highlighted the importance of supporting Sudan's unity and territorial integrity, maintaining ongoing coordination within the Quartet framework, and rejecting any attempts to divide the country or undermine its stability. They condemned the attack on the UN mission headquarters in Kadugli and expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people during this critical period.
Minister Abdel-Aty expressed Egypt's full support for Sudanese national institutions and stressed the need for an effective humanitarian corridor to ensure unimpeded aid delivery. This effort should be combined with increased relief support and enhanced cooperation with the United Nations, the African Union, and relief agencies. He emphasized the importance of regional and international efforts to support a comprehensive ceasefire and establish conditions for an inclusive political process that meets the Sudanese people's aspirations for security, stability, and development. Abdel-Aty also stressed the pursuit of a permanent ceasefire to protect the unity of the Sudanese state and its national institutions.