Egypt achieves record primary budget surplus of EGP 629bn despite sharp fall in Suez Canal revenues    Escalation in Gaza, West Bank as Israeli strikes continue amid mounting international criticism    Egypt recovers collection of ancient artefacts from Netherlands    Resumption of production at El Nasr marks strategic step towards localising automotive industry: El-Shimy    Egypt harvests 315,000 cubic metres of rainwater in Sinai as part of flash flood protection measures    Egypt, UNDP discuss outcomes of joint projects, future environmental cooperation    United Bank achieves EGP 1.51bn net profit in H1 2025, up 26.9% year-on-year    After Putin summit, Trump says peace deal is best way to end Ukraine war    Jordan condemns Israeli PM remarks on 'Greater Israel'    Egypt's Supreme Energy Council reviews power supply plans for 14 industrial projects    Egypt, Namibia explore closer pharmaceutical cooperation    Fitch Ratings: ASEAN Islamic finance set to surpass $1t by 2026-end    Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim dies at 88    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, bilateral ties in calls with Saudi, South African counterparts    Egypt prepares to tackle seasonal air pollution in Nile Delta    Egyptian, Ugandan Presidents open business forum to boost trade    Al-Sisi says any party thinking Egypt will neglect water rights is 'completely mistaken'    Egypt's Sisi, Uganda's Museveni discuss boosting ties    Egypt's Sisi warns against unilateral Nile measures, reaffirms Egypt's water security stance    Egyptian pound closes high vs. USD on Tuesday – CBE    Egypt, Colombia discuss medical support for Palestinians injured in Gaza    Egypt, Huawei explore healthcare digital transformation cooperation    Egypt's Sisi, Sudan's Idris discuss strategic ties, stability    Egypt's govt. issues licensing controls for used cooking oil activities    Egypt to inaugurate Grand Egyptian Museum on 1 November    Egypt's Sisi: Egypt is gateway for aid to Gaza, not displacement    Greco-Roman rock-cut tombs unearthed in Egypt's Aswan    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Oman urges action on Libya
Published in The Egyptian Gazette on 12 - 03 - 2011

CAIRO - Arab states must intervene in Libya or risk unwanted foreign intervention, Oman's foreign minister told an Arab League meeting on Saturday.
European states hope the Arab League will take the lead in shaping policy towards the revolt that has divided Libya. The League has suspended Libya for its crackdown on an uprising against Muammar Gaddafi but has not severed all ties to Tripoli.
Gulf states including Oman have voiced strong criticism of Gaddafi and called for a no-fly zone over Libya, but the position of other Arab League states is not clear. Analysts doubt its members will agree unanimously on such action.
Egypt, buoyed by the revolution that swept Hosni Mubarak from power, could prove crucial in swaying opinion. States including Syria have been less critical of Gaddafi.
"What is needed now is Arab intervention using mechanisms of the Arab League and at the same time in accordance with international law," Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi bin Abdullah said in his opening remarks to an Arab League meeting.
"We must look at various options that circumstances in Libya need," he said, giving brief opening remarks during a televised opening session over which he presided.
"What is happening now to the Libyan people poses a threat to the security and stability of Arab states.
"If the Arab League does not take responsibility to prevent a downward spiral, that could lead to internal fighting or unwanted foreign intervention," he added.
Gulf Arab ministers said on Thursday Gaddafi's administration had lost its legitimacy and called for measures including imposing a no-fly zone. Gaddafi has had particularly bad relations with Gulf heavyweight Saudi Arabia for years.
Outside the League's Cairo headquarters, about a hundred people held a protest against the Tripoli government, waving the pre-Gaddafi flag that has become a symbol of the revolt. "The people want to put the murderer on trial," they chanted.
"Egypt should take a stronger position so that it can restore its weight in the region," Fayez Gabrail, a Libyan protesting outside the building, said.
At a March 2 meeting, the Arab League said a no-fly zone was an option. NATO has cited firm regional support as one element required for the imposition of a no-fly zone on Libya.
European Union states said on Friday they would examine options to protect civilians but also listed regional support as one necessary element. The United States has said a no-fly zone remains an option to put pressure on Gaddafi.
The Arab League, though appearing tough on Gaddafi, has not cut all ties with his government. It says it needs to be in touch with the people who control the situation in Libya.
Saif al-Islam, one of Gaddafi's sons, told supporters in Tripoli this week the Arabs were "nothing". "Screw Arabs and the Arab League," he said.
The League has established contact with the rebel National Libyan Council, based in the eastern city of Benghazi.
Extending formal recognition to the rebel council is also on the agenda of Saturday's Arab League meeting.
Germany and the European Union foreign policy chief have both said they would look to the Arab League's decision to help guide their own policy on the issue.
The 27 EU members on Friday endorsed the Libyan National
Council as "a political interlocutor".


Clic here to read the story from its source.