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Europe intensifies Libya conflict resolution efforts

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*FG repatriates 22 slain ISIS fighters' families, 79 Nigerians from Libya* At least 22 family members of Islamic State fighters who died fighting in Libya were reportedly among 101 stranded Nigerians repatriated from Libya. The individuals, according to a statement by Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, National Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, were received by officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; NIDCOM; Nigeria Centre for Disease Control; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; National Emergency Management Agency; Department of State Services; Nigeria Immigration Service and Port Health. The statement read, “The stranded Nigerians include the 22 family members of suspected former members of ISIS that were killed in Libya as well as their children. “All evacuees came with Negative PCR test for Covid- 19, and landed at exactly 10.15 pm at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport GAT wing, aboard Airforce C130.” That ISIS fighters are scattered across Libya, which has been engulfed in violent extremism since the death of Muammar Gaddafi, the country’s strong man. Gaddafi was killed in an uprising in the country in 2011.



European diplomats, on Tuesday, said they would hasten their efforts to mediate the civil conflict in Libya, holding talks with stakeholders.

According to EU diplomats, German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, is to meet the internationally recognized Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj on Wednesday in Brussels in respect of the conflicts in Libya.

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Maas, on Tuesday, announced another mediation attempt and talks with the parties to the conflict.

However, a planned trip to Libya was cancelled over security concerns.

Al-Serraj is also scheduled to hold talks with EU Parliamentary President David Sassoli.

EU Council President Charles Michel is to travel to Istanbul on Saturday to discuss the worsening situation in Libya with Turkish President Recep Erdogan.

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They are scheduled to meet with the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sissi in Cairo on the conflict in Libya.

Libya has been engulfed by civil war since the overthrow of long-term ruler Moamer Gadaffi in 2011.

Turkey supports the government of Prime Minister al-Serraj, which is vying for power with military strongmen Gen. Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by several militias.

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Egypt, like Russia and the UAE, is on Haftar’s side.

Erdogan recently announced that Turkey had sent its first soldiers to Libya to support the internationally recognized government.

 

 

NAN

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