http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/qatar/359836/qatar-brokers-deal-between-libya-tribes
Qatar brokers deal between Libya tribes
November 24, 2015 - 4:12:06 am
Representatives of Libya’s Tuareg and Tebu tribes exchange documents
after signing a reconciliation agreement in the presence of Assistant
Foreign Minister for International Cooperation Affairs H E Sheikh
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha yesterday.
DOHA: Qatar has successfully brokered peace between the two rival
tribes in southern Libya who have battled for control of oilfields.
The tribes of Tebu and Tuareg yesterday signed a comprehensive
reconciliation agreement under the auspices of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim
bin Hamad Al Thani.
The peace agreement puts an end to fighting in the town of Ubari in
southwestern Libya, reported Qatar News Agency (QNA). The agreement
was signed here by the heads of the delegations of both the tribes in
the presence of Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister for International
Cooperation Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al
Thani.
A permanent ceasefire is part of the agreement that also stipulates
the return of the displaced people of Ubari to their homes, opening of
the public roads to Ubari and ending all armed manifestations in the
town.
In a joint statement, the two sides welcomed Qatar’s efforts under the
leadership of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to achieve
reconciliation that was endorsed by all tribes and neighbouring
countries.
The statement calls on all Libyans to reach an agreement and
reconciliation and work side by side to build the country.
After the signing, participating factions expressed appreciation for
Qatar’s efforts to achieve reconciliation, which underlines the
significance of Qatari mediation in ending disputes through peaceful
means.
In turn, Qatar expressed hope that the reconciliation will help in
achieving further harmony and unity among Libyans and maintaining the
security and stability in Libya, QNA said.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman told QNA that Qatar’s efforts to solve
the dispute in southern Libya stems from its belief that dialogue is
the most effective way to end conflicts in all countries, expressing
hope that the reconciliation that was agreed will be a starting point
for bringing peace across Libya.
Speaking exclusively to QNA, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman hailed
the role of neighbouring countries, notably Algeria and Niger, in the
success of Qatar’s efforts, praising all the sides and parties to the
conflict who were patient and brave and met at the same table, which,
he said, helped in reaching a comprehensive reconciliation agreement
to end fighting in the southern town of Ubari between the tribes of
Tuareg and Tebu. He added that the Qatari initiative came after
interaction with the Libyan General National Congress who requested
that the brokers a mediation in southern Libya, a region that has been
suffering from disputes in more than one area.
The Assistant Foreign Minister said H H the Emir directed for working
with all sides and hosting negotiations in Doha, adding that the
process started with hosting negotiations between the two tribes, with
Qatar playing the mediatory role.
He said the dialogue was inter-Libyan and Qatar worked to bring points
of view closer, adding that this is the role Qatar was known for in
settling disputes in Darfur, Djibouti, Eritrea and Lebanon.
He said Qatar’s brokering the reconciliation agreement is a
cornerstone in the consolidation of security and stability in southern
Libya, adding that Qatar will continue to stand by the choices of the
Libyan people and exert any effort that helps restore security and
stability in Libya.
He said the agreement aims to stop the bloodshed among Libyans and is
of great importance to the re-establishment of security and stability
in southern Libya, a crucial area for Libya and neighbouring
countries.
He said the significance of the agreement stems from its role in
preserving Libya’s territorial unity and bears significance for Qatar
as it contributes to United Nations efforts in supporting Libyan
dialogue.
The Peninsula
Received on Wed Nov 25 2015 - 21:38:19 EST