TRIPOLI — Prime Minister Ali Zidan expressed the government's deep concerns about the events in Mali, expressing his understanding of the decisions taken by the government of Mali in addressing the crisis. Speaking on Libya Alwataniya TV Saturday, Zidan said, “We hope that hostilities will come to an end soon and peace, security and stability is achieved in the state of Mali.” He said the Libyan government condemned and rejected the hostage-taking in Algeria and subsequent loss of lives. He stressed Libya's full support and solidarity with its Algerian neighbor. He said Libyans rejected the aggressive and violent campaigns being carried out against civilians. He called upon Maghreb countries and those in the Sahel region to show solidarity, to maintain security and peace in their area. He emphasized the cooperation between Algeria, Tunisia and Niger agreed at past meetings. He referred to the latest tripartite talks exactly a week ago in Ghadames, between Libya, Algeria and Tunisia. He said discussions there had focused on peace-keeping and the creation of a better life for all, based on development and positive cooperation in the southwest border region, which stretches from Ghadames through to the area of “Alwaigh” in the southwestern of Libya. Zidan added that surveillance operations and peace-keeping patrols have now been intensified around the area of “Alwaigh”. He stressed that no border penetration would be permitted and that borders will not be exploited in order to carry-out any acts of aggressions against Algeria or any other country. He also confirmed that the Libyan territory will not be used as a haven from which to launch any operations that threaten the stability of any of its neighbors. He denied reports that a terrorist camp, located in the southwest of Libya, was used for this purpose. He stressed to Alwataniya TV that such a thing did not and will not happen, under any circumstances. He urged all Libyans to cooperate fully with the army and security personnel and be wary of those who threatened the security and stability of Libya and its neighbors. He also urged people to also watch out for those who trade in drugs and weapons. — Libya Herald
