British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson has said the removal of former leader Colonel Gaddafi in 2011 has proved to be a humanitarian and security ‘tragedy.’
He was speaking on his return to the UK after a two-day visit to Libya, where he urged the many rival parties in the country to try and reach a compromise.
During his stay, Johnson pledged nearly $12 million dollars in aid for Libya and staged a landmark meeting with Khalifa Haftar, whose troops control the east of the country.
However, Johnson’s high profile tour has raised questions about the UK’s intentions in a nation wracked by the triple blight of civil war, terrorism and human trafficking.
After his visit, Johnson noted that there was a chance of a political deal to end the political impasse that has engulfed the country since the 2011 ouster of Muammar Gaddafi.
He said other countries with different ideas about Libya’s future should unite behind a new UN plan expected to be announced next month.
“A secure and stable Libya, better able to deal with the threat from terrorism and the challenge of migration, is firmly in the UK interests,” Mr Johnson said.
“The Libyan people need a stable state that can meet their fundamental economic and security needs.
