New international summit on Libya in Berlin – Foreign mercenaries at the forefront

Defence Redefined

23/06/2021

Foreign ministers involved in efforts to resolve the crisis in Libya are meeting in Berlin today to consider the next steps in the stabilisation process of the war-torn country.

The one-day meeting is jointly organised by the German government and the United Nations. The United States, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE and the transitional government will participate.

One of the main goals of this second Berlin Summit is invariably one of the first: to end foreign intervention in the war. This has not been the case so far.

According to UN estimates, some 20,000 foreign mercenaries were active in the North African country in December 2020; their numbers have not changed significantly. Deliveries of weapons to the opposing sides have also not stopped, despite the international embargo.

However, some progress has been made. The ceasefire agreement is generally being adhered to, a transitional government has taken office and parliamentary elections are scheduled for December 24th.

On the eve of the summit, Libya’s new Foreign Minister, Nazla al-Mangous, called for regular international ministerial meetings. The foreign ministers of the countries involved in this war must hold frequent talks in the near future to end the crisis, Ms. Mangous said in a speech broadcast on Libyan state television.

At the first meeting, on January 19, 2020, a fragile agreement was reached to end the conflict. The second, ten years after the overthrow and assassination of Muammar Gaddafi, is expected to focus on the political transition.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to address the meeting via video link. The United States will be represented by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is on a European tour.

Also read: Libya | Government calls on Turkey’s cooperation in withdrawing foreign troops from the country – VIDEO