Caid Essebsi receives Chairman of Libya

President Beji Caid Essebsi met on Thursday at Carthage Palace with Chairman of Libya’s High Council of State Abdurrahman Asweahly, who is visiting Tunisia at the invitation of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Ennaceur.

President Caid Essebsi emphasised the importance of the historical and fraternal ties binding the two brotherly peoples. Quoted in a statement by the presidency, Caid Essebsi said that Tunisia stands by the Libyan people especially in this delicate phase.

The Head of State also highlighted "concern to avoid interference in Libya's internal affairs and to stand at an equal distance from all parties", saying that "the stability of Libya depends on the stability of Tunisia and the entire region ".

Besides, he indicated that the Tunisian initiative, which was approved and backed by Algeria and Egypt and that is summed up in the Tunis Ministerial Declaration for a comprehensive political settlement in Libya, signed on February 20 at the Carthage Palace, "aims to encourage dialogue between the different Libyan parties and to bring the points of view closer".

He also emphasised the need to convince the Libyans to overcome their differences and to reach a consensual agreement, thus, laying the bases for the building of a Libyan State, with the assistance of the three neighbouring countries and under the aegis of the United Nations.

For his part, the Libyan official commended the initiative of President Caid Essebsi and efforts to find a quick solution to the crisis in Libya.

He praised this initiative and Tunisia’s role in finding a solution to the crisis by encouraging dialogue between the different Libyan factions.

The Libyans have no choice but that of peace and consensus to restore stability in Libya, , he said. "The current situation can no longer last".

The Chairman of Libya’s High Council of State also commended Tunisia's position alongside the Libyan people and its refusal of any form of interference in the internal affairs of Libya.

He and the delegation accompanying him asserted the importance of taking advantage of this presidential initiative and the support of neighbouring countries to find a quick solution to the crisis in Libya.

The initiative of President Caid Essebsi is a beginning of the construction of the Libyan state, he said.

source: TAP