18-24 March: Western governments discuss reviving Tripoli embassies

Mar 24, 2021 | International actors

This week, in recognition of the growing consolidation of power by the GNU, several Western governments have been discussing plans to revive their embassies in Tripoli.

On 18 March, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires in Libya, Jamshed Boltaev, had discussed cooperation between Russia and Libya, including the possibility of reopening of Russia’s Embassy in Tripoli, with Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba and GNU ministers.

On 21 March, the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, announced that Operation IRINI will be extended for a further two years.

On 22 March, the European Union imposed sanctions in Mohammed al-Kani, the former leader of the Kaniyat militia, and his brother Abdul Rahim al-Kani in relation to killings and kidnappings in Tarhouna between 2015 and 2020.

On 22 March, GNU Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba held a call with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. They discussed the need to conclude the Libyan crisis through an inclusive political process, providing essential public services, and ensuring free and fair elections. They also discussed the need for full implementation of the 23 October 2020 ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign forces.