Tripoli, 6 January 2014:
There have been no arrests made over the killing of British and New Zealand citizens Mark De Salis . . .[restrict]and Lynn Howie on a beach near Sabratha on Thursday, according to the New Zealand government.
“We have been advised by the Libyan authorities that no arrests have been made in relation to this case,” a spokesperson for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the Libya Herald.
Reports had circulated on social media networks that a number of suspects had been arrested, but there has been no official confirmation of this.
“An investigation by the Libyan Authorities into Ms Howie’s death is underway and we are following this closely on behalf of the family,” the spokesperson said. He added that the New Zealand government welcomed the efforts being made to bring those responsible for Howie’s death to justice.
De Salis, who worked for First Engineering, had lived in Libya for six years. The New Zealand press has reported that Howie was visiting him, after the couple met in New Zealand last year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it continued to provide consular support to Howie’s family, who have requested privacy. [/restrict]
