Calls for Libya to file complaint following Egypt airstrikes

Some 169 Libyan officials have called on the Presidential Council to file an urgent complaint with the UN Security Council against Egypt’s attack on the Libyan territory.

The signatories to the statement included members of the House of Representatives, members of the State High Council, party leaders, ambassadors, civil and media activists, former ministers and heads of civil movements.

The signatories have protested against the Egyptian airstrikes against sites in the city of Derna, east and towns in Jafra province, which began a week ago.

Read: What is Libya’s role in the terrorism that’s hit Egypt?

The airstrikes are a “blatant interference” in the country’s affairs, the statement said, calling on the Presidential Council to assume its national and historical responsibilities towards the repeated Egyptian bombardment of Libyan territory. It also called on neighbouring countries and allies to “condemn and stop the repeated Egyptian attacks”.

The Presidential Council is the only body authorised to combat terrorism according to the terms of the political agreement, the statement continued.

Earlier, the Libyan presidential council condemned the Egyptian airstrike against Derna, however forces led by General Khalifa Haftar welcomed the bombing and confirmed their participation in them.

Last Friday, Egyptian airplanes attacked the Libyan city of Derna after a terrorist attack against Christians in Minya. Egypt claimed the terrorists who carried out the attack were trained by the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council. The council denied the claim.