India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has said on Wednesday the country has appointed some 17 coordinators in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, to assist Indians to leave the nation, as the condition continues to be deteriorated in Libya.
On her official Twitter handle, Swaraj wrote: “Tripoli – We have appointed 17 Coordinators to help Indians leaving Libya. Indian Embassy is helping them with Exit Visa even in cases where their visa has expired. Presently, the airport is operational. Please avail of this opportunity.”
Tripoli – We have appointed 17 Coordinators to help Indians leaving Libya. Indian Embassy is helping them with Exit Visa even in cases where their visa has expired. Presently, the airport is operational. Please avail of this opportunity.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 24, 2019
Since the escalation of tensions in Tripoli from April 4, when Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar declared an attack over Tripoli, the Libyan capital, in order to seize the region from the United Nations-backed government of national accord (GNA), India has been making efforts to evacute Indian nationals from the region – process has been underway, according to ANI news reports.
Haftar is the leader of a military assault on Tripoli, the Libyan capital, in opposition to the internationally recognized Libyan government.
Earlier, Swaraj had appealed to some 500 Indians residing in Tripoli to leave the war-ravaged nation immediately.
India has already on April 6 evacuated a group of peacekeeping Indian armed forces, comprised of 15 CRPF personnel, from Tripoli – a move which has been followed by nations like Nepal and the United States.
Above 200 people have so far lost their lives and more than 913 have been reported injured since the clashes erupted in Libya.
Also read: US President Trump recognizes Libyan Haftar’ role in fighting terrorism: White House
The White House has on Friday said US President Donald Trump has held a telephonic conversation with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar on Monday, where both leaders discussed ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The United States has “recognized Field Marshal Haftar’s significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya’s oil resources, and the two discussed a shared vision for Libya’s transition to a stable, democratic political system”.
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