The Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush, said the Government of National Unity’s insistence on the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya can be interpreted by some parties as a hindrance to the holding of general elections on time, but it is in fact a way to boost trust between the authorities and the Libyan people as well as the different stakeholders on the scene.
Al-Mangoush told Al-Arabiya TV Channel that the withdrawal can be balanced and gradual, saying 15% to 20% of the total number of foreign forces and mercenaries could be withdrawn from Libya before elections on December 24, reiterating the need to take lessons from the Afghan scenario after the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from the country.
“Immediate withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya can lead to imbalance among the warring and conflicting parties, eventually causing unwanted consequences. A balanced, gradual and carefully-pondered withdrawal is the solutions.” She said.
The Libyan Foreign Minister hailed the efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) toward the implementation of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from the country.
