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By Callum Paton
Tripoli, 24 November 2013:
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan finished up a London meeting today with US Secretary of State John . . .[restrict]Kerry and British Foreign Secretary William Hague, by reaffirming Libya’s commitment to Washington and London as it looks to restore security.
Speaking after the talks at Winfield House the American ambassador’s residence, Zeidan said: “The Libyan people have had a long struggle, and lately they have done a lot to get rid of the militias.
“Our friends have supported us during our revolution, and we are here in order to affirm the importance of cooperation with our friends”.
Key to the discussions in the British capital was security. This was the first time Zeidan had met with the American or British politicians since he himself was kidnapped by militias nearly two months ago.
Addressing the security issue Kerry said: “We talked with the Prime Minister today about the things that we can do together – the United Kingdom and the United States and other friends – in order to help Libya to achieve the stability that it needs.”
The secretary of state also reviewed recent events noting: “Libya has gone through great turmoil, particularly after the course of the last weeks, and the Prime Minister informed us of a transformation that he believes is beginning to take place.”
Throughout his premiership Zeidan has looked abroad for partners to strengthen national security forces.
However, Secretary Kerry stopped short of offering more US resources or training to Libya. The seizure of sensitive US military hardware by militias in September, appears to have made the United States reluctant to renew the commitment for the present.
Zeidan concluded by saying that with the help of his foreign partners, he envisaged a Libya “that is going to be revealed to be an active contributor in the world arena”. [/restrict]
