WEATHER ALERT
How Libyaโs chaos left its people vulnerable to deadly flooding
Read full article: How Libyaโs chaos left its people vulnerable to deadly floodingA storm that has killed thousands of people and left thousands more missing in Libya is the latest blow to a country that has been gutted by years of chaos and division.
Italian ex-premier says French missile downed an airliner in 1980 by accident in bid to kill Gadhafi
Read full article: Italian ex-premier says French missile downed an airliner in 1980 by accident in bid to kill GadhafiA former Italian premier is contending that a French air force missile brought down a passenger jet over the Mediterranean Sea in 1980 and is appealing to France's president to respond.
Libyaโs central bank announces reunification after nearly a decade of division due to civil war
Read full article: Libyaโs central bank announces reunification after nearly a decade of division due to civil warLibyaโs central bank has announced its reunification after being split for nearly a decade due to the countryโs long-running civil war that resulted in two rival administrations, in the east and the west.
Libya asks Lebanon to release Gadhafi's detained son who is on hunger strike, officials say
Read full article: Libya asks Lebanon to release Gadhafi's detained son who is on hunger strike, officials sayLibyaโs judicial authorities have formally asked Lebanonโs prosecutor general to release one of Moammar Gadhafi's sons, who has been held without charges in Lebanon since 2015.
Lawyer: Detained man, Gadhafiโs son, suffers deteriorating health 2 weeks into hunger strike
Read full article: Lawyer: Detained man, Gadhafiโs son, suffers deteriorating health 2 weeks into hunger strikeA lawyer says the son of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is suffering deteriorating health during the second week of a hunger strike.
Hope dims for missing migrants amid questions about Greece's actions in deadly sinking
Read full article: Hope dims for missing migrants amid questions about Greece's actions in deadly sinkingNine survivors from a migrant boat that sank were arrested on suspicion of smuggling as hope faded for hundreds of missing passengers and attention turned to Greeceโs failure to act before the ship capsized.
Eastern Libyan authorities round up thousands in crackdown on migrants
Read full article: Eastern Libyan authorities round up thousands in crackdown on migrantsLibyan activists say authorities in eastern Libya have rounded up thousands of migrants and amassed them in an area on the border with Egypt.
French prosecutors seek trial for Sarkozy over Libya financing for 2007 campaign
Read full article: French prosecutors seek trial for Sarkozy over Libya financing for 2007 campaignFrench prosecutors are seeking to send former President Nicolas Sarkozy to trial on charges that he received millions in illegal campaign financing from the government of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Libya: Mass grave with 18 bodies found in ex-IS stronghold
Read full article: Libya: Mass grave with 18 bodies found in ex-IS strongholdLibyan authorities say they have found 18 bodies buried in a mass grave in the central coastal city of Sirte, a former stronghold of the Islamic State group in the conflict-stricken North African nation.
Libya militia held Lockerbie suspect before handover to US
Read full article: Libya militia held Lockerbie suspect before handover to USLibyan officials say a powerful militia was involved in the clandestine detention and questioning of a suspect in the 1988 downing of a New York-bound PanAm flight over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Pan Am 103 bombing victimโs widow in Miami-Dade hopes for more U.S. cases
Read full article: Pan Am 103 bombing victimโs widow in Miami-Dade hopes for more U.S. casesVictoria Cummockโs husband was among the 259 passengers who died after a bomb exploded on Pan Am Flight 103 on Dec. 21, 1988, just north of the England-Scotland border.
With suspect in custody, spotlight returns to 1988 bombing
Read full article: With suspect in custody, spotlight returns to 1988 bombingThe announcement that a Libyan man suspected in the 1988 bombing of a passenger jet has been taken into U.S. custody put the spotlight back on the notorious terrorist attack.
'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout now part of a deal himself
Read full article: 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout now part of a deal himselfRussian arms dealer Viktor Bout, swapped for WNBA star Brittney Griner, is widely known outside the country as the โMerchant of Deathโ who fueled some of the worldโs worst conflicts.
Watches, daggers and cricket ice cream: Asian summit treats
Read full article: Watches, daggers and cricket ice cream: Asian summit treatsA custom wristwatch from Cambodian leader Hun Sen at the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, a foot-long dagger at the G-20 meetings in Bali, and cricket ice cream and Thai noodles with worm sauce at the APEC talks in Bangkok.
US-UK relations enter new chapter as new PM, king settle in
Read full article: US-UK relations enter new chapter as new PM, king settle inPresident Joe Biden heads to the United Kingdom to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth II at a time of transition in US-UK relations, as both a new monarch and a new prime minister are settling in.
Egypt exits Arab League meeting, opposing Libyan minister
Read full article: Egypt exits Arab League meeting, opposing Libyan ministerEgyptโs foreign minister has exited an Arab League session chaired by the chief diplomat of one of Libyaโs two rival governments, in an apparent protest against her administration.
Libya capital remains tense a day after clashes kill over 30
Read full article: Libya capital remains tense a day after clashes kill over 30Militias patrolled nearly deserted streets in Libyaโs capital a day after clashes killed over 30 people and ended Tripoliโs monthslong stretch of relative calm.
Russia's Lavrov urges UN reforms to raise Africa's voice
Read full article: Russia's Lavrov urges UN reforms to raise Africa's voiceRussiaโs foreign minister said his country supports reforming the U.N. Security Council to give a more powerful role to developing nations, including African countries.
A look at high-profile political assassinations this century
Read full article: A look at high-profile political assassinations this centuryJapanese former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated Friday by a gunman who opened fire on him as he delivered a campaign speech on a street in western Japan, shocking the country.
US returns smuggled ancient artifacts to Libya
Read full article: US returns smuggled ancient artifacts to LibyaThe United States has returned a cache of smuggled ancient artifacts to Libya as the oil-rich Mediterranean country struggles to protect its heritage against the backdrop of years of war, turmoil and unrest.
Libyaโs embattled PM says replacing him could trigger war
Read full article: Libyaโs embattled PM says replacing him could trigger warLibyaโs embattled prime minister is warning that the appointment of a new transitional government could set off war and chaos in the Mediterranean country mired for a decade in turmoil.
UN experts: Darfur rebel groups make money in Libya
Read full article: UN experts: Darfur rebel groups make money in LibyaU.N. experts say rebel groups in Darfur that signed a peace agreement with the Sudanese government in 2020 continue to operate in Libya and profit from opportunities provided by the civil war and lack of government control in the oil-rich north African nation.
UN official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for June
Read full article: UN official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for JuneA senior U.N. official says Libya could hold elections by June after the county missed a December deadline to elect its first president since the 2011 ouster and killing of dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
Libyaโs election faces uncertainty amid towering challenges
Read full article: Libyaโs election faces uncertainty amid towering challengesLibya is scheduled to hold elections in just over a week, on Dec. 24, a long-awaited vote that is the lynchpin of efforts to bring peace after a decade of civil war.
Libya: Gadhafi son disqualified from running for president
Read full article: Libya: Gadhafi son disqualified from running for presidentLibyaโs top electoral body has disqualified the son and onetime heir apparent of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi from running for president next month, citing his previous convictions.
Rights groups demand ICC probe into Libya migrant abuses
Read full article: Rights groups demand ICC probe into Libya migrant abusesHuman rights activists have sent a dossier of evidence to the International Criminal Court demanding an investigation into abuses of migrants in Libya that they argue โmay amount to crimes against humanity.โ.
Gadhafi's son announces candidacy for president of Libya
Read full article: Gadhafi's son announces candidacy for president of LibyaLibya's election agency says the son and one-time heir apparent of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi has announced his candidacy for the countryโs presidential election next month.
UN: Libyaโs roundup tops 5,000 migrants as concerns grow
Read full article: UN: Libyaโs roundup tops 5,000 migrants as concerns growA United Nations tally obtained by the Associated Press on Monday shows that the number of migrants rounded up in Libya's unprecedented crackdown has exceeded 5,000 people.
Libya conference sees hope on elections, foreign forces
Read full article: Libya conference sees hope on elections, foreign forcesLibyaโs transitional government has underlined its commitment to holding elections on Dec. 24 at a conference with powers that have interests in the North African country.
Turkey, Libya recommit to contested maritime borders deal
Read full article: Turkey, Libya recommit to contested maritime borders dealLibya's visiting interim prime minister and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed their commitment to a controversial maritime demarcation agreement that has angered Greece and Cyprus.
Libyan lawmakers confirm interim unity government
Read full article: Libyan lawmakers confirm interim unity governmentFILE - In this Feb. 25, 2021 file photo, Libyan Prime Minister-designate Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah speaks during a news conference in Tripoli, Libya. On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, Libyan lawmakers confirmed a newly appointed government to lead the war-wrecked country through elections by the end of the year. (AP Photo/Hazem Ahmed, File)BENIGHAZI โ Libyan lawmakers confirmed a newly appointed interim government on Wednesday, in the hopes it will help unify the divided, war-wrecked North African country, and shepherd it through to elections at the end of the year. AdโCongratulations on the formation of an interim unity government to set the stage for elections in December,โ tweeted U.S. Dbeibah named Najla Mangoush as foreign minister โ the first woman to lead the Libyan foreign ministry in modern history.
Claimed value of sleepy NY estate could come to haunt Trump
Read full article: Claimed value of sleepy NY estate could come to haunt TrumpThe Seven Springs, a property owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, is covered in snow, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Mount Kisco, N.Y. Meyer's daughter, the late Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, was married at Seven Springs in 1940. The amount was based on a professional appraisal that valued the full Seven Springs property at $56.5 million as of Dec. 1, 2015. AdCohen testified that Trump had financial statements saying Seven Springs was worth $291 million as of 2012. Along with the mansion, Seven Springs has a Tudor-style home once owned by ketchup magnate H.J.
France's Sarkozy convicted of corruption, sentenced to jail
Read full article: France's Sarkozy convicted of corruption, sentenced to jailThe verdict is expected in a landmark corruption and influence-peddling trial that has put French former President Nicolas Sarkozy at risk of a prison sentence if he is convicted. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)PARIS โ A Paris court found French former President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of corruption and influence peddling on Monday and sentenced him to a year in prison. The ruling marks the first time in Franceโs modern history that a former president has been convicted of corruption โ and given a prison term. The court found that Sarkozy and his co-defendants sealed a โpact of corruption,โ based on โconsistent and serious evidenceโ. AdIn one phone call with Herzog, Sarkozy said of Azibert: โIโll make him move up.
Libyan interior minister survives attack on motorcade
Read full article: Libyan interior minister survives attack on motorcadeFILE - In this Dec. 26, 2019 file photo, Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha speaks during a news conference in Tunis, Tunisia. The motorcade of the interior minister of Libyas U.N.-backed government came under attack on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, in the capital, Tripoli, a government spokesman said. Bashagha survived the attack. He said the minister survived the attack and his guards chased the assailants, killing one and detaining two others. The forum also picked Mohammad Younes Menfi, a Libyan diplomat from the countryโs east, to lead the Presidential Council.
Libyans mark 2011 uprising with eyes on interim government
Read full article: Libyans mark 2011 uprising with eyes on interim government(AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)TRIPOLI โ Libyans on Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of their 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi. Many have their eyes on a recently appointed government tasked with leading Libya through elections later this year, with hopes of unifying the divided nation. Celebrations began late on Tuesday in the capital, Tripoli, where people gathered in the city's main square amid tight security. AdThere were also celebrations in the eastern city of Benghazi, once known as the birthplace of Libyaโs 2011 uprising. AdLibya has become one of the most intractable conflicts, along with Yemen and Syria, left over from the 2011 uprisings.
Libya's future in balance in UN-backed leadership vote
Read full article: Libya's future in balance in UN-backed leadership voteThe voting process is taking place under the mediation of the U.N. secretary-generalโs acting special representative for Libya, Stephanie Williams. The prime minister is to be chosen by the candidate winning 70% of votes. Twenty-four candidates are running for the presidential council posts. Libyaโs top judge, Mohammed al-Hafi's candidacy for the presidential council has stirred up controversy. The country's Judgesโ Association decried the move, saying he should have retired before running,AdTwenty-one candidates are running for prime minister, including Fathi Bashaga, the powerful interior minister in Tripoli, and Ahmed Meitig, deputy prime minister of the U.N.-supported government.
US plans new charges in 1988 Lockerbie airline bombing
Read full article: US plans new charges in 1988 Lockerbie airline bombingFILE - In this Dec. 22, 1988, file photo police and investigators look at what remains of the nose of Pan Am 103 in a field in Lockerbie, Scotland. The Justice Department expects to unseal charges in the coming days in connection with the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jet that exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people, according to a person familiar with the case. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver, File)WASHINGTON โ The Justice Department plans to unseal new charges in the coming days in connection with the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am jet that exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people, according to a person familiar with the case. The New York-bound flight exploded over Lockerbie less than an hour after takeoff from London on Dec. 21, 1988. One man โ former Libyan intelligence official Abdel Baset al-Megrahi โ was convicted in the Netherlands of the bombing, and a second Libyan suspect was acquitted of all charges.
French ex-President Sarkozy stands trial for corruption
Read full article: French ex-President Sarkozy stands trial for corruptionFormer French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives at the courtroom, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 in Paris. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy goes on trial Monday on charges of corruption and influence peddling in a phone-tapping scandal, a first for the 65-year-old politician who has faced several other judicial investigations since leaving office in 2012. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)PARIS โ Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy went on trial Monday on charges of corruption and influence peddling in a phone-tapping scandal, a first for the 65-year-old politician who has faced several other judicial investigations since leaving office in 2012. He stands trial in a Paris court along with his lawyer Thierry Herzog, 65, and the magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, 73. They face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of 1 million euros ($1.2 million).
UN migration agency: 74 drown after boat capsizes near Libya
Read full article: UN migration agency: 74 drown after boat capsizes near LibyaIn these photos taken Nov. 12, 2020, life jackets litter the beach off the coast of Libya near the port of al-Khums. The boat was carrying over 120 migrants, including women and children, when it capsized off the coast of the Libyan port of al-Khums, said the International Organization for Migration. Only 47 people were rescued by the Libyan coast guard and fishermen and brought to shore. Smugglers often pack desperate families into ill-equipped rubber boats that stall and founder along the perilous Central Mediterranean route. On Tuesday, 13 African migrants including three women and one child had drowned in a similar shipwreck off the Libyan coast.
France's Sarkozy seeks closure of Libyan corruption case
Read full article: France's Sarkozy seeks closure of Libyan corruption caseSarkozy, who denies wrongdoing, has been given preliminary corruption charges in the case, under investigation since 2013. Investigators are examining claims that Gadhafiโs regime secretly gave Sarkozy 50 million euros overall for his winning 2007 French campaign. In 2007, Sarkozy welcomed Gadhafi to France with high honors. Sarkozy then put France at the forefront of NATO-led airstrikes that helped rebel fighters topple Gadhafiโs regime in 2011. Sarkozy and Takieddine have faced other legal troubles in France.
Libyan factions sign countrywide UN-brokered cease-fire
Read full article: Libyan factions sign countrywide UN-brokered cease-fireThe United Nations said Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, that the two sides in Libyan military talks had reached a "historic achievement" with a permanent cease-fire agreement across the war-torn North African country. The agreement also involves the formation of a joint military force and a way to monitor violations, Williams said. โI appeal to all Libya: Be one hand,โ he added, warning of polarization by factions. To maintain the cease-fire, the two sides agreed to establish a โjoint police operations roomโ that will help secure areas following the withdrawal of armed groups. The rivals also agreed to form a โjoint limited military force" of personnel who report to the U.N.'s Joint Military Commission.
UN chief urges Libya cease-fire, warns its future at stake
Read full article: UN chief urges Libya cease-fire, warns its future at stakeโThe violations of the embargo are a scandal and call into question the basic commitment to peace of all involved,โ he told the closed meeting. โThere are nine countries that are intervening in the Libyan conflict,โ Williams said, without giving any names. The country has since split between rival east- and west-based administrations, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Military commander Khalifa Hifter and his self-styled army launched an offensive in April 2019, trying to capture Tripoli, the capital. The virtual meeting came amid international pressure on both sides to avert an attack on the strategic city of Sirte.
Russia, China block release of UN report criticizing Russia
Read full article: Russia, China block release of UN report criticizing RussiaTANZANIA โ Russia and China blocked the official release of a report by U.N. experts on Libya that accused its warring parties and their international backers -- including Russia -- of violating a U.N. arms embargo on the conflict-wracked country, U.N. diplomats said Friday. Germanyโs deputy U.N. ambassador, Gรผnter Sautter, said he brought the issue to the Security Council after the two countries blocked the reportโs release by the committee monitoring sanctions on Libya, which Germany heads. โMany delegations have asked for the publication of the panel of expertsโ interim report,โ he said. But finding a replacement acceptable to all Security Council diplomats has proven exceedingly difficult. Germany's Sautter said the Security Council has agreed that there will be a special envoy โand we need an agreement urgently on who that is going to be."
Amnesty: Migrants face 'vicious cycle of cruelty' in Libya
Read full article: Amnesty: Migrants face 'vicious cycle of cruelty' in LibyaAmnesty said about 8,500 migrants, including women and children, were intercepted and brought back to Libya between Jan. 1 and Sep. 14. Since 2016, an estimated 60,000 men, women and children have been captured at sea and taken to Libya where they disembarked, it said. There, the migrants and refuges face a โconstant riskโ of being abducted by militias, armed groups and traffickers. They are โtrapped in a vicious cycle of cruelty with little to no hope of finding safe and legal pathways out," the report said. Amnesty cited an incident, without saying when it happened, in which eastern Libyan forces blocked a bus from entering the southeastern city of Kufra unless three Chadian nationals got off.
EU force intercepts tanker with jet fuel headed to Libya
Read full article: EU force intercepts tanker with jet fuel headed to LibyaA boarding team board the Merchant Vessel Royal Diamond 7, in international waters, 150 kilometers north of the Libyan city of Derna, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. The European Union maritime force enforcing the U.N. arms embargo on Libya said Thursday it re-directed a tanker headed for Libya after determining it contained jet fuel in possible violation of the embargo. The MV Royal Diamond 7 was en route early Thursday from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates to Benghazi, Libya when members of the EU force Operation Irini boarded the ship. A statement from the EU mission said its inspection aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged MV Royal Diamond 7 determined the cargo was jet fuel, which it said was likely to be used for military purposes. The mission noted that jet fuel is considered military material by the U.N., which has authorized the EU force to seize weapons and halt weapons-transporting ships bound for Libya.
Experts: Libya rivals UAE, Russia, Turkey violate UN embargo
Read full article: Experts: Libya rivals UAE, Russia, Turkey violate UN embargoThe warring parties in Libya and their international backers the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Jordan vs Turkey and Qatar violated a U.N. arms embargo on the oil-rich north African country that remains totally ineffective, U.N. experts said in a new report. The experts said the Wagner group transferred armed private military operatives and military equipment into Libya to support Hifters military operations, including two armored personnel carriers. The panel of experts said the resupply of both sides by air was extensive, with flights from the UAE to western Egypt and eastern Libya, and from Russia via Syria to eastern Libya to reinforce Hifters forces and from Turkey to western Libya to reinforce the government. AP emails to the U.N. missions of the UAE, Russia, Jordan, Egypt, Syria and Qatar got no response. Allegations regarding any violation by Turkey of sanctions are baseless, said the spokesperson who was not authorized to be identified by name.
Libya's Tripoli- based gov suspends minister after shooting
Read full article: Libya's Tripoli- based gov suspends minister after shootingCAIRO Libyas Tripoli-based government has suspended its interior minister following a shooting at a demonstration in the capital earlier this week, the United Nations-supported government said Friday. Interior Minister Fathi Bashaga will face an investigation over violations committed against protesters, the government said in a statement. Tripoli and other territories under the U.N.-supported government saw a series of protests starting last week over deteriorating economic conditions. Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj had said in televised comments Monday that the protesters did not have a permit for their gathering. The country is now split between rival east- and west-based administrations, each backed by different armed groups and foreign governments.
Macron condemns Turkey's 'criminal' actions in Libya
Read full article: Macron condemns Turkey's 'criminal' actions in LibyaPARIS French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out Monday against Turkey's criminal responsibility in Libya. Speaking during a visit to Germany, Macron strongly condemned Turkey's actions in Libya as unacceptable.He said Turkey doesn't respect any of its commitments." France accused Turkey of repeated violations of the U.N. arms embargo and of importing Syrian fighters to Libya. Macron also condemned interference in Libya from Russian private military contractor Wagner. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a NATO-backed uprising toppled leader Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed.
France's Macron denounces Turkey's attitude in Libya
Read full article: France's Macron denounces Turkey's attitude in LibyaTunisian President Kais Saied, left, is welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron for bilateral talks at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday, June 22, 2020. Tunisian President Kais Saied is for a two-day visit in France. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that Turkey's attitude in Libya is unacceptable" as France sees Ankara as an obstacle to securing a cease-fire in the conflict-torn country. Macron spoke at an evening news conference with Tunisian President Kais Saied in Paris. Macron urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to end his countrys actions in Libya.
Egyptian president says Libyan city Sirte a 'red line'
Read full article: Egyptian president says Libyan city Sirte a 'red line'CAIRO Egypts president Saturday warned that an attempt by Turkey-backed forces in Libya to attack the strategic city of Sirte would cross a red line" and trigger a direct Egyptian military intervention in the conflict. El-Sissi's strong comments come after Libyan fighters allied with the Tripoli-based government earlier this month advanced toward Sirte, the gateway to oil facilities in Libyas south. That move ignored an Egyptian initiative, backed by the east-Libya camp, to stop fighting and embark on peace talks. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. Cavusoglu said Friday that Turkey would work with Italy to create a lasting peace and political solution in Libya.
Turkey says will work with Italy for Libya peace, slams EU
Read full article: Turkey says will work with Italy for Libya peace, slams EUTurkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, right, and Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio say goodbye by using their elbows after their joint press conference, in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, June 19, 2020. Turkey says the EUs naval operation dubbed Irini is focusing its efforts on the Tripoli-based administration and not enough on Hifters forces who launched an offensive in April 2019 to capture the capital. We will continue to work with Italy for a last peace and a solution-oriented political process, Cavusoglu told reporters, praising Italy for what he described as its balanced stance on Libya. He maintained that the operation ignores alleged constant arms transfers to Hifter by France.Cavusoglus comments come amid growing tensions between Turkey and France over Libya. He also defended the EU naval operation, describing it as balanced.The aim is to control the arrival of all armaments, Di Maio said.
Turkey the key to unlocking NATO help for EU naval operation
Read full article: Turkey the key to unlocking NATO help for EU naval operationEuropean Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell speaks during an online news conference following a video conference of European Foreign and Defense Ministers meeting at the Europa building in Brussels, Tuesday, June 16, 2020. The operation - dubbed Irini, the Greek word for peace - was launched on April 1. He said the personnel contacted the Turkish and Tanzanian authorities to try to verify the information, and they also informed the United Nations. We cannot do anything more than to transmit this information to the United Nations. It is the United Nations who gathers this information in order to control the implementation of the arms embargo.
Pope Francis urges end of fighting, aid to migrants in Libya
Read full article: Pope Francis urges end of fighting, aid to migrants in LibyaVATICAN CITY Pope Francis on Sunday urged political and military leaders in Libya to end their hostilities and called on the international community to take to heart the plight of migrants trapped in the lawless nation. He said thousands of migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people are more vulnerable to forms of exploitation and violence.There is cruelty, the pope said, departing from prepared remarks. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. The country has since split between rival administrations in the east and the west, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. After Gadhafi's fall and killing, Libya also emerged as a major transit point for African and Arab migrants fleeing war and poverty to Europe.
UN chief shocked at Libya mass graves in recently freed town
Read full article: UN chief shocked at Libya mass graves in recently freed townTANZANIA U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep shock late Friday at the discovery of mass graves in Libyan territory recently recaptured from forces commanded by Khalifa Hifter, and called for a transparent investigation. The U.N. chief also called on Libyas U.N.-supported government to secure the mass graves, identify the victims, establish the causes of death and return the bodies to next of kin. The discoveries have raised fears about the extent of human rights violations in territories controlled by Hifters forces, given the difficulties of documentation in an active war zone. Philippe Nassif, Amnesty Internationals director for the Middle East and North Africa, said the group was working to verify the mass killings. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed.
UN: Libya's warring sides have agreed to restart peace talks
Read full article: UN: Libya's warring sides have agreed to restart peace talks(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File)CAIRO The United Nations said Libya's warring factions have agreed to resume cease-fire talks, following days of heavy fighting and eastern-based forces retaking a key town from their rivals after a string of setbacks. Their troops were chasing Tripoli-allied forces to their stronghold in the nearby town of Gharyan, he added. A statement for the Tripoli-allied forces did not acknowledge the defeat, with spokesman Mohamed Gnono saying only that they were targeting LAAF forces on the towns borders. The Tripoli government had been struggling to fend off a yearlong siege of the capital by Hifter's forces when Turkey escalated its air support. Hifter is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, while the Tripoli-allied militias are aided by Turkey, Qatar and Italy.
US: Russian jets in Libya present broader worries for region
Read full article: US: Russian jets in Libya present broader worries for regionWASHINGTON U.S. Africa Command flatly rejected Russian claims that Moscow did not deploy fighter jets to Libya, saying Friday that the 14 aircraft flown in reflect Russia's longer term goal to establish a foothold in the region that could threaten NATO allies. In an interview with a small group of reporters, Hadfield said the new fighter aircraft have not yet been used. But he said they will have to be flown either by pilots from Russia or contractors employed by Wagner. Another concern, said Hadfield, is that there also are Russian surface-to-air missiles there. Eastern European nations have been increasingly concerned about Russia's expanding military involvement and incursions in the region, on NATO's southern flank.
Top lawmaker denies that Russia sent warplanes to Libya
Read full article: Top lawmaker denies that Russia sent warplanes to LibyaMOSCOW A senior Russian lawmaker on Wednesday strongly rejected the U.S. military's claim that Russia has deployed fighter jets to Libya to support east-based forces in their offensive on the capital, Tripoli. Viktor Bondarev, the former Russian air force chief who heads the defense committee in the upper house of parliament, dismissed the claim by the U.S. Africa Command as "stupidity." If the warplanes are in Libya, they are Soviet, not Russian, he said. The U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday the Russian military aircraft arrived in Libya recently from an airbase in Russia via Syria, where they were repainted to hide their Russian origin. Hifter is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, while the Tripoli-allied militias are aided by Turkey, Qatar and Italy.