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Libya Review
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
China Eyes Closer Cooperation with Libya
The Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Libya, Liu Jian, reiterated China's commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Libya, emphasizing Beijing's readiness to expand practical cooperation across various sectors. In a statement reported by the Libyan News Agency (LANA), Liu expressed China's willingness to deepen bilateral relations and broaden avenues of collaboration between the two nations. He also voiced hope that Libya would soon enjoy peace and stability, underscoring China's support for a political settlement that fulfills the aspirations of the Libyan people. 'We hope Libya moves forward on the path of political resolution to meet the expectations of its citizens,' he stated. The Chinese diplomat extended his best wishes to the Libyan people for continued prosperity, development, and well-being. This renewed commitment comes amid growing calls for international support for Libya's transition. On May 15th, China's representative to the United Nations stressed the importance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) strengthening its cooperation with Libya. He also urged the Court to maintain its principle of complementarity while fully respecting Libya's independence and national sovereignty. The Chinese envoy added that Libya's internal capacity to build and reform its judicial institutions must be considered and supported, particularly in light of the slow progress in the country's political process.


Libya Review
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Night Fires in Libya Blamed on Humans
A senior environmental official in Libya has warned of a worrying rise in wildfires occurring during nighttime hours, pointing to potential human involvement as the main cause. Faris Fathi, Director of the Geographic Systems Department at the Ministry of Environment under Libya's eastern-based government, told the Libyan News Agency (LANA) in Al-Bayda that data from the ministry shows an increase in nighttime blazes in areas such as Shahat and Wadi Al-Kouf. He attributed the trend to 'human intervention,' either through deliberate acts or severe negligence. 'Forest fires are among the most dangerous environmental threats in Libya,' Fathi said, explaining that they destroy natural habitats vital to wildlife and have a direct economic impact on local communities reliant on forests for farming, herding, and eco-tourism. Fathi categorised wildfires into two main types: natural and man-made. Natural fires are typically sparked by weather events such as lightning storms, extreme heat, or strong winds. However, the most common cause in Libya remains human activity — including deliberate arson or careless behaviour like discarding cigarette butts or lighting open fires without supervision. He stressed that the recurrence of these fires every year demands urgent action from the authorities to strengthen prevention strategies and implement effective emergency response plans to safeguard forest ecosystems and Libya's biodiversity. The call comes amid a series of intense fires sweeping through eastern Libya's Green Mountain region, fuelled by high temperatures and dry southern winds known locally as 'Ghibli.' Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: libyaMinistry of EnvironmentWildfires


Libya Review
09-05-2025
- Health
- Libya Review
Italian Doctors Launch Humanitarian Surgery Programme in Benghazi
An Italian medical team has pledged to perform 70 facial reconstructive surgeries for children suffering from deformities in Benghazi, eastern Libya. The mission forms part of a humanitarian initiative aimed at improving healthcare services and training local doctors in advanced surgical techniques. Dr Cortolazzi, the head of the visiting Italian surgical team, confirmed that 70 surgeries have been scheduled during the current mission. Speaking to the Libyan News Agency, he revealed that around 150 cases had been registered by Benghazi Medical Centre, with particularly complex conditions set to receive individual assessments and customised treatment plans. He highlighted that the procedures are also being carried out as a practical workshop for Libyan doctors to enhance their skills and enable them to conduct such surgeries independently in the future. Some of the more complicated cases may require multiple operations, such as bone or tissue grafting, which will be coordinated in future medical visits. Dr Cortolazzi expressed hope for expanded cooperation with the Libyan Ministry of Health and local medical professionals, noting that the mission's core aim is to restore smiles to the faces of Libyan children living with disfiguring conditions. A comprehensive report will be compiled at the end of the mission, detailing key challenges, complex case studies, and an assessment of Libya's medical and technical needs in the field of craniofacial surgery. Dr Fadwa Al-Faidi, head of the local programme for reconstructive and congenital defect surgeries, confirmed that patient evaluations began on Friday. She said the initiative is entirely free of charge and was launched under directives from House of Representatives Speaker Ageela Saleh and is overseen by Parliament-appointed Prime Minister Osama Hammad. Tags: benghazihealthItalylibya


The Star
05-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Ancient sea lighthouse found in eastern Libya
TRIPOLI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A Libyan-international archaeological mission announced on Monday the discovery of the remains of an ancient sea lighthouse on the coast of eastern Libya's Tobruk city, according to the official Libyan News Agency. The lighthouse is believed to date back to the Greek or Roman era, demonstrating the site's strategic importance as an active port during ancient times, said the report. The discovery includes parts of a circular stone structure and tower foundations, indicating the presence of a high building believed to have been used to guide ships through the sea waters to the shore. Pottery pieces and small statues were also found at the site, highlighting the extent of commercial and cultural activities in the region and its cultural contact with its Mediterranean surroundings. The research team confirmed that the discovery could redraw the map of ancient ports in the Mediterranean and contribute to enhancing the historical understanding of Libya's maritime and cultural roles in ancient civilizations. The team noted that work is still underway to analyze the archaeological finds and that excavations are continuing at the site.