Author: M Barbu

Libya hosts conference on Benghazi reconstruction

The international conference on the reconstruction of the Libyan city of Benghazi kicked off on Saturday, with participation of investors and economic experts from 14 different countries, according to a local official.

“The conference started in Benghazi to discuss rebuilding the city after years of fighting against terrorists. It is time to start its reconstruction and wipe out the dust of destruction,” Mohamed Abdullah, member of the eastern-based parliament said.

Libya: New clashes in outskirts of Derna

The Libyan commander of the self-styled army in eastern region, Khalifa Haftar, announced the start of military operations to “liberate” Derna on Monday after his forces clashed with rivals on the outskirts of the eastern city.

The clashes on Monday in Al-Fatayeh district saw the killing of at least 7 of Haftar’s force fighters and the destroying of some military vehicles, according to the spokesman for the Derna Shura Council, Mohammed Al-Mansouri.

Tunisia to hold 1st local election since 2011 Arab Spring

Tunisia is hoping to break through barriers with its first local election since its 2011 Arab Spring revolution – a vote that could produce the first female mayor of the capital, the first Jewish official with an Islamist party and new flock of mayors with greater powers.

French ambassador to Libya confirms stance with Libya

French ambassador to Libya reaffirmed her government stance with Libya in restoring peace and stability.

The ambassador was briefed by Musrata municipal council the latest developments of the Libyan dossier especailly the political one, and ways to break the political stalemate, mechanism to bring
all Libyan parties, and opportunities to find consensus,and role of UN mission. She underscored the important role of Misrata in finalizing the political process in Libya.

For their part, members of the municipal council underscored the important role of France in striking a balance among the various parties and its role in projecting a full picture to the international community.

Mogherini, Salame discuss Libya situation

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini Thursday met UN Special Representative for Libya Ghassan Salame in Brussels and discussed the current situation in Libya.

They discussed the implementation of the UN’s four-point action plan for Libya, on the political talks, national conference, constitution and elections, that the Special Representative put forward in September 2017, noted a press statement released by Mogherini’s office.

EU Holds Brussels Conference on Syria, 85 States and NGOs Attend

Egypt will attend a second international conference organised by the European Union and the United Nations on “supporting the future of Syria and the region,” which is scheduled to take place in Brussels from 24-25 April.

The conference aims to discuss humanitarian aid to the Syrians affected by the civil war that is now in its eighth year. It also further aims to open discussions among members of the international community over the Syrian conflict to create new pledges, as well as to support the resilience of refugee-hosting countries.

Egypt, EU sign strategic cooperation agreement in energy

Egypt and the European Union (EU) signed on Monday a Memo of Understanding (MoU) for a new strategic cooperation in energy.

The signing ceremony was attended by Egypt’s Prime Minister Sharif Ismail, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohammad Shaker, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Tareq Al-Mulla, and EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Canete, Egypt’s premier office said in a statement.

EU, UN seeks aid boost for Syria at major conference

The EU and UN on Tuesday begin a two-day conference to drum up fresh aid pledges for wartorn Syria and reinvigorate the faltering Geneva peace process as the conflict enters its eighth year.

Donor countries, aid organisations and UN agencies will gather in Brussels for the seventh annual conference on Syria’s future as international inspectors probe a suspected gas attack in the town of Douma, highlighting the brutal nature of the war.

3 Egyptian soldiers killed and 30 militants in Sinai operation

Three Egyptian troops and 30 suspected militants have been killed as part of an ongoing security operation in the restive Sinai Peninsula last week, according to the Egyptian military on Wednesday.

A military statement said three police officers were killed in clashes with militants during a raid on their hideout in the North Sinai city of Arish.

South Sudan rival forces resume offensives in multiple places

Rival forces in South Sudan conflict have resumed offensives in Upper Nile region, forcing humanitarian organisations to relocate some members following a surge in violent clashes in Unity, Jonglei and parts of Central Equatoria.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) issued a statement confirming resumption of the offensives, pointing out that having a devastating impact on thousands of civilians and on humanitarian agencies trying to provide desperately needed assistance to vulnerable people.