The UN Security Council (UNSC) is holding an emergency meeting Wednesday regarding the situation in Libya.
The meeting comes as agreed between Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and representatives of the UN Security Council (UNSC) member states, including Jordan and Libya, in a Monday meeting in New York.
Egypt wishes to convey to the international community that it is unwise to fight one organisation, “Islamic State”, whilst ignoring other extremist groups.
“They are all the same, IS is only a faction of terrorist groups,” spokesperson Badr Abdelatty told journalists in a Tuesday briefing. “However, it is essential to differentiate the government of Tobruk, whose legitimacy Egypt recognises , from the remaining terrorist groups.”
Shoukry also met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday, regarding Egypt’s objective to rally political support from the international community to help maintain global peace and security.
“As you are aware of the airstrikes carried out in Libya, Egypt used its legitimate right in accordance with the UNSC’s charter, against terrorist elements in Libya who killed innocent Egyptians who were there hoping to improve their living standards,” Abdelatty stated.
Egypt has called on its citizens in Libya to come back, which occurs usually through land transportation using the Salloum border crossing. However, official communication channels between the Egyptian government and Egyptian expatriates in Libya face obstacles.
“We are establishing contact with the state leadership in Tobruk, but it is difficult because they have lost control over many areas and they are not properly established,” Abdel Atty said in response to Daily News Egypt question on possible evacuation procedures. “Other channels include the Libyan Committee for Civil Communication and leaders of tribes in Libya.”
