Archive for the ‘Libya’ Category

Mass Graves of Migrants in Libya: An End to a Dream for a Better Life in Europe – Asharq Al-awsat – English

The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, urged on Tuesday Libyan authorities to investigate reports of a mass grave including the bodies of at least 65 migrants found last March in the desert in the northwest of the country.

Hundreds of irregular migrants flock to Libya through the Sahara Desert and across the southern Mediterranean to escape to Europe where they dream of a better life. But many of them presumably die due to thirst and are buried in mass graves.

Three months ago, the Libyan Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said it recovered 65 unidentified bodies of migrants in Wadi Al-Jahria, located in the Al-Shuwerf area, southwest of the country.

The Department did not disclose any details about the victims. However, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) said the bodies belong to migrants who died while being smuggled across the desert, in Al-Shuwerf, southwest of the city of Gharyan.

Since the discovery of Grave 65, there have been no investigative results to clarify the truth of what the victims were exposed to in the desert.

Turk said on Tuesday that his office was following up on reports of a mass grave in the desert along the Libya-Tunisia border. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging Libyan authorities to promptly respond to inquiries and conduct a thorough investigation into these disturbing developments.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said, I urge the authorities to respond swiftly to our inquiries, and to investigate these crimes fully.

Turk then denounced widespread violations against migrants and refugees in Libya.

A source from the Gharyan Prosecution told Asharq Al-Awsat that the investigations, which kicked off on Tuesday will take time to reveal the identity of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their death, saying they probably died during the smuggling process through the desert by human trafficking gangs.

Libya is a major launching point for migrants trying to reach the European shores through dangerous routes across the desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday said that from 30 June to 6 July 2024, 598 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya.

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Mass Graves of Migrants in Libya: An End to a Dream for a Better Life in Europe - Asharq Al-awsat - English

Marshal Haftar Meets with Greek Ambassador to Strengthen Bilateral Relations – Libya Update

Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, General Commander of the Libyan National Army, held a meeting with Nikolaos Garilidis, the Ambassador of Greece to Libya, at the General Command Headquarters. The meeting also included the Consul General and the Military Attach of the Greek Embassy in Libya.

During the meeting, Haftar praised the relationship between Libya and Greece, highlighting the development of good neighborly relations and friendship between the two countries. He expressed his gratitude to Greece for its prompt response in providing relief equipment and rescue teams to Derna following the damages caused by the Daniel storm.

Ambassador Garilidis emphasized the importance of further developing and enhancing bilateral relations in the commercial, economic, and cultural fields to serve mutual interests. He also reiterated Greeces support for the efforts of the United Nations mission to advance the political process in Libya, aiming for the conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections.

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Marshal Haftar Meets with Greek Ambassador to Strengthen Bilateral Relations - Libya Update

Morocco And The UN: Paving The Path To Peace In Libya OpEd – Eurasia Review

On July 8, 2024, a crucial meeting took place in Rabat between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). This encounter, as highlighted by Stephanie Khoury, the acting special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, resulted in a mutual commitment to continue the dialogue regarding Libyas political process. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bring stability and peace to Libya.

In a press statement following her discussions with Nasser Bourita, Moroccos Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Living Abroad, Khoury emphasized the importance of sustaining the dialogue. We have agreed to continue the dialogue and discuss ways to advance the political process in Libya, under the auspices of the UN, for the benefit of the Libyan people, she stated. This commitment reflects a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that Libya faces, and underscores the crucial roles that Morocco and the UN play in facilitating a resolution.

The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for Khoury and Bourita to exchange views on Libyas current difficulties and the needs of its people. Khoury underscored that advancing the political process in Libya remains a priority for UNSMIL. The discussions not only reaffirmed the necessity of ongoing dialogue but also highlighted the importance of addressing the immediate needs of the Libyan population.

Khourys working visit to Morocco is part of her inaugural tour of regional countries, aimed at exploring potential solutions to the Libyan political crisis. This proactive approach signifies the UNs unwavering dedication to fostering peace and stability in Libya, while Moroccos involvement underscores its pivotal role in regional diplomacy.

The collaboration between Morocco and the UN is not new; it builds on a history of constructive engagement and dialogue. Moroccos strategic position and its diplomatic relations with various Libyan factions make it an indispensable player in the peace process. By continuing to support UNSMILs efforts, Morocco reinforces its commitment to regional stability and showcases its diplomatic acumen.

The Libyan crisis, marked by prolonged conflict and political fragmentation, requires a concerted effort from the international community. The agreement between Morocco and the UN to continue dialogue is a beacon of hope, suggesting that through persistent and open communication, a pathway to peace is possible.

The needs of the Libyan people remain at the forefront of these discussions. The countrys prolonged instability has inflicted immense suffering, and addressing these humanitarian concerns is crucial. The dialogue facilitated by Morocco and the UN aims to not only advance the political process but also to deliver tangible benefits to the Libyan populace.

The journey toward peace in Libya is undoubtedly fraught with challenges. However, the steadfast commitment of Morocco and the UN to continue dialogue represents a significant step in the right direction. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of complex political crises, diplomacy and dialogue remain powerful tools for conflict resolution.

As the international community watches, the efforts of Morocco and the UN in Libya can serve as a model for resolving similar crises worldwide. Their partnership exemplifies how regional and international cooperation can pave the way for sustainable peace and development. The world must support these efforts, recognizing that the road to peace is built on the foundations of persistent dialogue and mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the agreement between Morocco and the UN to continue their dialogue on Libyas political process is a testament to their commitment to peace and stability. It highlights the importance of ongoing communication and the role of regional diplomacy in addressing global challenges. As these efforts progress, the hope for a stable and prosperous Libya becomes ever more attainable.

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Morocco And The UN: Paving The Path To Peace In Libya OpEd - Eurasia Review

Libya and Russia discuss reactivating the construction of the railway project – Libya Herald

The Tripoli based Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Land Transport Affairs, Fadel Allah Ashour, in the presence of the head of Libyan Railroads head Saeed Al-Kilani, discussed with the Russian Ambassador to Libya Aydar Aganin, ways to reactivate the railway construction contract concluded in 2009 between Libyan Railroads and the Russian Railways Company.

The meeting was held at Libyan Railroads Tripoli headquarters yesterday.

The contract is for the implementation of the Sirte-Benghazi section of Libyas railways project.

Participants at 3rd Digital Conference on Railways in Africa impressed by Libyas transit rail link to Chad and Niger (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads holds meeting with LIA discusses possibilities of investment and financing (libyaherald.com)

France expresses desire to cooperate with Libya in railroads and metro projects (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads preparing economic feasibility studies with Italys ITALFERR for Chad-Niger rail link (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads signs MoU with Chinese BFI Consortium for rail line to Egypt (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads participates in French Libyan Transport Forum 11 to 12 December, Paris (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads meets eastern government and BFI to discuss way forward (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads participates in Financing Railway Projects in Africa Forum in Dakkar, Senegal (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads and Russian Railways discuss activating stalled Sirte-Benghazi rail project (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railroads holds consultations with the ambassadors of Chad and Niger on rail link for transit trade route (libyaherald.com)

Greeces Mytilineos indicates desire to invest in Tripoli and Benghazi metros: Libyan Railroads (libyaherald.com)

Railroads Libya visits sites to follow up on damage and loss of equipment (libyaherald.com)

Railroads Libya hosts Tunisian engineering firm (libyaherald.com)

Railroads Libya holds meeting with Hill International in Greece (libyaherald.com)

BOT is the way forward for completion of Libyas railway project (libyaherald.com)

A railway system is fundamental to diversifying Libyas economy post-oil (libyaherald.com)

The Importance of Railways to Sustainable Growth, Transit Trade and Economic Development workshop Tripoli, 22 November (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Railways Implementation Authority invites International Federation of Railways to participate in November workshop (libyaherald.com)

Delegation from Libyas Rail Authority visits InnoTrans 2022 in preparation for workshop (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Rail Authority meets Chinese about restarting projects (libyaherald.com)

Libyas Railroad Authority tests old locomotive and 10 KM track from Khoms Port to Khoms station (libyaherald.com)

Egypt and Libya contemplating extending Egypts rail line to Benghazi (libyaherald.com)

Egypt to build rail line to Benghazi (libyaherald.com)

Libya to develop its coastal free zones with African states through its railway project and create partnerships with EU (libyaherald.com)

Russia considers resumption of work on Libyan railway (libyaherald.com)

Massive LD 50-billion development of Tobruk unveiled; railway to Sudan to be built (libyaherald.com)

Libya awaiting Chinese team for railway talks (libyaherald.com)

Railway will be resumed (libyaherald.com)

Russians in Tripoli for talks on Sirte-Benghazi railway project resumption (libyaherald.com)

Tripoli and Benghazi LRT systems progress (libyaherald.com)

Tripoli and Benghazi metro systems moving forward (libyaherald.com)

Details of foreign consortium to invest and implement Tripoli metro, bus and infrastructure project and its financing revealed (libyaherald.com)

Bashagha government signs cooperation agreement with Chinese Railways company, BFI and British consultants Arup (libyaherald.com)

Details of foreign consortium to invest and implement Tripoli metro, bus and infrastructure project and its financing revealed (libyaherald.com) Chinese-led foreign consortium to invest and implement Tripoli metro and bus network

Tripoli and Benghazi metro systems moving forward

First batch of public transport buses shipped from China

New bus operations for Tripoli and Benghazi

Tripoli and Benghazi LRT systems progress

Chinese-led foreign consortium to invest and implement Tripoli metro and bus network (libyaherald.com)

Transit Trade Road

Libya-Niger Transit Trade Road report says US$ 3.2 bn project has numerous national and international benefits (libyaherald.com)

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Libya and Russia discuss reactivating the construction of the railway project - Libya Herald

UN probing reported mass grave on Libya-Tunisia border – Yahoo! Voices

STORY: :: The UN is investigating horrific reports of a

mass grave in Libya, says human rights chief

:: July 9, 2024

:: Geneva, Switzerland

:: Volker Turk, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights

In March this year a mass grave was discovered in south-western Libya, containing at least 65 bodies presumed to be migrants. As if this were not horrific enough, we are following up on reports of another mass grave recently discovered in the desert area at the Libyan-Tunisian border. I urge the authorities to respond swiftly to our inquiries, and to investigate these crimes fully. The loved ones of those who died have every right to know the truth. And the responsibility for investigating these crimes falls squarely with the Libyan authorities.

Volker Turk told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, that he denounced widespread violations against migrants and refugees in Libya, which straddles a dangerous transit route running through the Sahara Desert and across the southern Mediterranean.

He gave no further details of the suspected identity of the mass grave victims or how the site was found. A spokesperson at Turk's office said: "We have not received information from the authorities but we are continuing to follow up on this."

In March, at least 65 bodies of migrants were discovered at a mass grave site in southwest Libya's al-Jahriya valley about 260 miles (420 km) south of Tripoli, the U.N.-affiliated International Organization for Migration said.

Libya and Tunisia are both vital partners in the European Union's efforts to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean from North Africa into southern Europe.

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UN probing reported mass grave on Libya-Tunisia border - Yahoo! Voices