OIC to Appoint Special Envoy to Libya, Supports Peaceful Efforts

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) plans to appoint a special envoy to Libya, seeking to coordinate with the Government of National Accord and relevant regional and international organisations to support the peaceful resolutions efforts in the country. The intention was conveyed by OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen during his meeting with Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Tahir Siala on the sideline of the of the Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee at the Level of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul, Tuesday, an OIC statement said. Al-Othaimeen assured the Foreign Minister of the OIC’s full support for the efforts to reconstruct and restore stability and security in a united Libya. The Secretary-General said the OIC remains committed to coordinate with the United Nations, regional organisations such as the League of Arab States and the African Union, as well as Libyan neighbouring states, which has contributed positively to achieve peaceful resolutions. Meanwhile the Libyan minister confirmed his country’s interest in the resolutions adopted by the OIC and the importance of implementing them, praising the important role the OIC played at both regional and international levels. The Libyan civil war began with the Arab Spring in 2011 which saw the overthrow and death of its leader of 42 years, Muammar Gaddafi. Instability worsen post-Gaddafi period when conflicts erupted among rival groups seeking control of the territory of Libya. As of now, a UN-backed unity government known as Government of National Accord is in place and effort to end the crisis is still ongoing. -- BERNAMA