Algeria says it is not willing to cooperate with Libyan renegade general

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said on Monday that his country is not ready to cooperate with renegade Libyan Major General Khalifa Haftar based on the principle of “non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs”.

Al-Rai Al-Youm reported Lamamra’s remarks to mass media during a press conference held on margins of the 17th meeting for members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Algiers.

Journalists asked him whether his country is ready to reply to Haftar’s calls to cooperate regarding the protection of the Algerian-Libyan border. “This is a domestic issue and Algeria cannot derail from the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs,” he replied.

The minister added: “We reiterate our absolute solidarity with the Libyan people.”

Previously, Haftar had said that he expected to be contacted by Algerian officials regarding the protection of the Algerian-Libyan border and the prevention of terrorist cross-border infiltration.

In the same context, Lamamra revealed that the Arab League member states, which are attending the NAM convention, are to hold special discussions on the issue.

“A number of brothers from the Arab League and the Libyan government itself presented ideas and initiatives,” Lamamra explained. “They will seize the opportunity during the meeting to consult with neighbouring countries about the measures that may be taken in future.”

The 17th convention of NAM countries started on Monday in Algeria. Lamamra headed the inauguration session. At the press conference, he said that representatives of 120 member states, including Turkey, had confirmed their attendance.

Lamamra noted that the officials plan to discuss several issues, including terrorism, trans-border crime, illegal immigration and the increasing Islamophopia across Europe.