Qatar has announced its support for Libya’s internationally backed political process, which is aimed at lifting the North African nation out of a decade of conflict and international interference.
Since Libya’s new government came to power, several countries have reopened embassies, and it is hoped that Doha would soon follow suit.
“We support the UN-sponsored political process in the hope that it preserves the territorial integrity of Libya and prevents foreign interference in its affairs,” Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on a visit to the Libyan capital.
Libya’s interim unity government came into existence in March — replacing two rival administrations, one based in the capital Tripoli and the other in the country’s east — to lead the country to elections in December.
Qatar and Turkey, had backed the government in the west of Libya, while countries including the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Egypt backed the eastern forces.
According to the UN, more than 20,000 foreign mercenaries and military personnel are still in Libya. They include Turkish, Russian, Sudanese and Chadian mercenaries.
