Egypt accuses Qatar of funding terrorists in Libya at the UN Security Council

The accusation and claims came in an open session held Tuesday, with the participation of all UN member states at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on the challenges of combating terrorism in Libya, according to a report by Al-Masry Al-Youm.

The report outlines that the session was held upon an Egyptian initiative and chaired by Ambassador Amr Aboul Atta, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations.

“Ambassador Tareq al-Qunni, assistant secretary of state for Arab affairs, called on Egypt to lift the arms embargo imposed on the Libyan National Army, which undermines the ability of the Libyan army to fight terrorism.” Reported Al-Masry Al-Youm in Arabic.

On the other hand, the Libyan delegation at the UNSC stressed in its statement that instability in Libya provides an environment for the incubation of terrorist groups and that the international community must undertake a number of measures, including providing weapons to Libyan official bodies to combat terrorism.

Qatar’s representative at the UN quoted reports denying his country’s involvement in backing terrorist groups in Libya. He referred to Egypt’s accusations as mere allegations as part of a media campaign as well as the “illegal” siege imposed against Qatar.

“The Egyptian delegation used the UNSC meeting to offend Qatar.” He added.