The Libyan minister’s meeting created a crisis in the country: reactions increase

The announcement made last night by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs that a “historic meeting between the foreign ministers of Israel and Libya” had been held provoked reactions.

Although demonstrations took place in many cities of the country, as well as in the capital, Tripoli, Minister Menguş’s condemnatory statements came from political and social circles.

The Libyan Supreme Council of State announced that it “strongly rejects and condemns” the meeting in question.

In a written statement from the Supreme Council of State it was stated that the meeting of Foreign Minister Mengush with the “Foreign Minister of the Zionist regime” “violated the rules of boycotting the Zionist enemy and was an attack on the long and arduous struggle of the Libyan people who support the just cause of the Palestinian people”.

After noting that the event was received with “dismay”, the statement stated: “The High Council of State strongly rejects this action, condemns those responsible and calls for their dismissal.”

The Libyan Party for Change also expressed “deep surprise” at the meeting.
In a written party statement, it was highlighted that Minister Menguş’s attempt was “unacceptable” and noted the following: “Our party emphasizes that it categorically rejects any relationship with the Zionist regime under any circumstances. It defends the legitimate cause of the Palestinian people, which is the cause of all Muslims, Arab peoples and free peoples of the world.”

The Libyan Fatwa Board, based in Tripoli and responsible for religious affairs in Libya, also condemned the meeting.
In a written statement made by the Fatwa Board, it was noted that “any kind of relationship with the Zionist enemy who invaded Palestine, shed the blood of his people, expelled him from his homeland and violated the sanctity of Masjid al-Aqsa is haram.” ” and said: “Libyan Foreign Minister Necla al-Mengush: “We condemn the meeting of the Zionist enemy with the Foreign Minister.” Statements were included.

In the statement, Prime Minister Dibeybe was asked to remove Minister Menguş from office.
The Municipal Council of Misrata, Libya’s third largest city, and the Misrata Council of Wise Men and Notables reacted to the event with a joint written statement.

The statement noted that the meeting “sets a dangerous precedent for Libya’s attitude towards the just cause of the Palestinian people.”

In the statement, “The Misrata Municipal Council, the Elders of Misrata and the Ayan Council reject any relationship with the Zionist regime, condemn the actions of the Foreign Minister and support the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend the Minister and open a investigation against him,” the statement read. saying. It was said.

THE CASE OF THE PEOPLE TO THE STREET

Local media, based on eyewitnesses, reported that shots were heard in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition to the capital Tripoli, Libyans, who reacted to the incident in many cities such as Misrata, Zawiye, Sabrata, Zliten, organized protests by burning tires on the roads. At some demonstrations, activists made statements to the press.

In the city of Misrata, 200 kilometers east of the capital Tripoli, a group also reacted to the Mengush-Cohen meeting.

Hundreds of people gathered late at night in front of the Martyrs’ Monument in the city center, protesting the gathering and demanding that necessary action be taken regarding Menguş.

The activists chanted slogans such as “Libya will not sell the cause to the people, not to normalization.”

IT IS LOCATED IN ITALY

In a written statement made yesterday by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that “a historic meeting was held between the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Libya.”

Describing the meeting as “historic”, the statement noted that Foreign Minister Cohen met last week with his Libyan counterpart Menguş in Rome, the capital of Italy, with the aim of “examining the possibilities of cooperation and relations between Both countries”. “.

Noting that the meeting was the “first meeting” between the foreign ministers of the two countries, the statement said: “At the meeting, the ministers discussed the historical ties between the two nations, the legacy of Libyan Jews, the possibility of “Cooperation between countries, Israel’s humanitarian issues, agriculture, water management and many more. He discussed the help he could provide in the matter.”

THE MINISTER HAS BEEN REVEALED

The Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid Dibeybe, suspended Foreign Minister Necla el-Mengush for meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

The decree announced by the government states that “Mengush has been suspended and it has been decided to open an investigation.”

Libya, a North African country, does not recognize Israel and does not have diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. In his Libyan passport there is a note saying that “you can travel to all countries except the occupied Palestinian territories (Israel).” In addition, establishing relations with Israel is prohibited by law and subject to criminal sanctions.

In the first article of the law, known as the “Israel Boycott Law”, No. 62 of 1957, “real or legal persons are prohibited from entering into agreements with Israeli persons or institutions and their employees.” Statements are included.

Article 7 of the Law establishes that those who violate it will be sentenced to a custodial sentence of not less than three years nor more than ten years. (AA)