Algerian President not to attend Paris conference on Libya

Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, will not attend the Paris conference slated for 12 November to discuss Libya’s upcoming elections, local media reported.

Algerian Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, said that Algeria will be represented in the conference, but not by the President, daily news, Echorouk Online, reported.

The conditions are “unfavourable” for Tebboune to participate in the conference, Lamamra said, referring to the ongoing diplomatic row with France following several statements by French President, Emmanuel Macron, which were viewed by Algerians as insulting.

The Paris conference is expected to see participation by 20 countries, including the US, Russia, Germany, Turkey and Egypt.

Libya’s presidential and parliamentary elections are set to take place on 24 December, under an agreement reached by Libyan political rivals in Tunisia on 15 November, 2020.

Libyans hope that the upcoming elections will contribute to ending an armed conflict that has plagued the oil-rich country for years.

READ: Nine potential candidates in Libya’s presidential elections