Subscribe Today
Request a Clip
On June 20, 2020, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke at Egypt's Western Military Region before a large display of soldiers, armored vehicles, and missile launchers. He said that the terrorist organizations and mercenary militias that are active in Libya constitute a threat to the security of both Egypt and Libya, and he warned that Egypt is willing to intervene militarily. He explained that Egyptian military intervention would have the goals of defending Egypt's western border from the armed groups, of supporting security and stability in Libya, of preventing bloodshed in Libya, of implementing an immediate ceasefire between the parties in Libya's civil war, and of launching negotiations for a political settlement between the parties. President El-Sisi said that the Sirte-Jufra line constitutes a red line, and he emphasized that Egypt only has the intention of restoring pan-Arab security and security in Libya and Egypt. He also said that the Libyan tribal leaders would play leadership roles in any Egyptian military intervention, and that the Egyptian forces would leave peacefully once their job has been completed. Libyan tribal leader Mansour Bseisi, who also spoke, referred to Egypt as the beating heart of the Arabs and urged El-Sisi to help defend Libya. The event aired on Channel 1 (Egypt).
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: "My colleagues the commanders, my sons the officers and soldiers, and my brothers from the tribes, we are facing today a decisive phase that is being formed on our border. These are direct threats that require us to close ranks and cooperate - not only amongst ourselves, but also with our brothers from the Libyan people and the friendly forces, in order to protect and defend our two countries and our nations' resources from the aggression waged by the armed terrorist and mercenary militias, which enjoy the complete support of a power that relies on military force to realize its expansionist ambitions at the expense of Arab national security and the national sovereignty of our countries. This is being done while the international community sees everything, since it still lacks the political will to stop these attacks.
"Any direct intervention by Egypt would enjoy international legitimacy, whether by force of the U.N. Charter that guarantees the right to self-defense, or through the parliament, the only legitimate authority elected by the Libyan people. The goals of such [intervention] would be the following: First, to defend the country's western border and its strategic depth from the threats of the terrorist and mercenary militias. Second, to quickly support the restoration of security and stability on the Libyan scene. These are considered inseparable parts of the security and stability of Egypt, as well as Arab national security. Third, to prevent bloodshed among our Libyan brothers in both east and west [Libya], by preparing the ground for a ceasefire, and to prevent any of the sides from transgressing the current positions. Fourth, [to launch] an immediate ceasefire. Fifth, to launch negotiations for comprehensive political settlement, under the auspices of the United Nations, in keeping with the conclusions of the Berlin Conference, and as a practical implementation of the Cairo Declaration initiative."
[...]
Mansour Bseisi: "Mr. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the beating heart of the Arabs... On behalf of the honorable Libyan tribes, we strongly request that you defend Libya and protect its sovereignty and resources, for the benefit of the Libyan people. Long live united Libya! Long live Egypt, the beating heart of the Arabs! Long live Egypt and Libya! Long live Egypt and Libya!"
[...]
El-Sisi: "If some people think that they may cross the Sirte-Jufra line, this would be a crossing of the 'red line' as far as we are concerned. We have never invaded anyone or transgressed anyone's sovereignty. If this were our way of thinking, we could have done this a year ago, or two, three, or four years ago. But because we have respected you because we have loved you. We did not intervene because we did not want to go down in history as people who intervened in the affairs of your country when you were weak. However, things are now different. Today, pan-Arab security, and the national security of Egypt and Libya, is shaken. If we do not realize this and if we are not ready to make the necessary sacrifices and take honorable positions which are required by us all... When we will tell these forces to move forward, they will move forward... No, no... Wait... These forces will move forward with you at the helm... Yes, these forces will move forward with the Libyan tribal leaders at the head. When it is over, these forces will leave in peace. By Allah, we do not want anything but security, stability, and peace in Libya. What I am saying is simple and I hope it reaches the Libyan people. By the way, if the Libyan people have taken the initiative - through you - and asked us to intervene, that should serve as an indication to the world that Egypt and Libya are [like] one country with united interests, security, and stability."
Latest Clips
