TRIPOLI — Libya summoned the American chargé d’affaires on Sunday in protest against “offensive” remarks made by US President Donald Trump during a campaign rally on Saturday, in which he stated that the country is “infested with terrorism.”
Trump said during a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday, “Senator Jon Ossoff personally sponsored a bill to bring hordes of immigrants from countries infested with terrorism like Libya, Yemen, Haiti, and Somalia. Do you remember what I called them?,” referring to remarks he made during his first presidential term.
The rival authorities in eastern and western Libya condemned Trump’s remarks, rejecting the inclusion of Libya in the context of “electoral disputes.”
Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity said it had summoned the US charge d’affaires in Libya to deliver a formal protest over “offensive remarks” directed at Libya and its people.
The ministry stated that it rejects any statements that could “affect the dignity of its people or undermine their status.”
The ministry said it had handed the diplomat an official note of protest, demanding official clarification and correction of the remarks.
For its part, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee, based in Benghazi, said in a statement that it had followed “unacceptable descriptions” of Libya, noting that such remarks contradict the principles of mutual respect and diplomatic responsibility.
The parliamentary committee demanded that the US administration provide an “official clarification regarding these statements”, emphasizing that Libya is “a sovereign state with an ancient history and a rich cultural heritage that cannot be reduced to fleeting descriptions or preconceived judgments”.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump confirmed the US commitment to its relations with Libya, describing its people as “proud, resilient, and hospitable, deserving of peace and prosperity.”
“The United States remains firmly committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship, supporting the long-awaited unification of Libya and Libya’s institutions, and standing with the Libyan people as they transition toward successful national elections,” Trump said.
Trump also acknowledged the sacrifices of Libyans who fought the Islamic State group, describing it as “the common enemy of both our peoples.”
The post cited the two countries’ cooperation against the group as a foundation for their relationship.
Turning to Libya’s sovereignty, Trump said its people had endured terrorism and foreign interference for years.
Source: Saudi Gazette