Al-Sisi: We support founding non-sectarian army in Libya

Egyptian President and coup leader Abdul-Fattah Al-Sisi said on Wednesday that his country supports what he described as “the legitimate” leadership in Libya and called for the establishment of a non-sectarian Libyan army, Anadolu new agency reported.

The remarks were mentioned in a statement released after a meeting with the head of the Libyan government in Tobruk, Abdullah Al-Thini. The government in Tobruk is an elected body, but was dissolved by the former Libyan parliament, which currently controls the capital Tripoli.

Al-Sisi reportedly announced Egypt’s readiness to support the legitimate leadership of Libya, stressing the importance of collecting weapons belonging to militias and establishing a strong national army free from sectarian and tribal conflicts.

Meanwhile, Al-Thini asked for Egypt’s help in the fields of education and health. He also welcomed the Egyptian role in the reconstruction and rebuilding of his country.

According to the statement, both the Egyptian and Libyan sides agreed on the importance of facing “terrorists and extremists”, in reference to the popular Islamist opposition in both countries, through a comprehensive security and military strategy.

In a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Al-Thini said that his country is working together with the Egyptian side to secure the borders, as well as to train and equip the armed forces of both countries to be ready for facing “terrorism”.

Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehlib reiterated his country’s respect for Libyans and their needs. He also said that the Egyptian political leadership is committed to its support for the Libyan government in Tobruk, despite the country’s on-going political divisions.