U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that the Libyan people are known for their dignity, resilience, and hospitality, and deserve peace and prosperity. He emphasized that Washington and Tripoli share a strong and longstanding counterterrorism partnership, built on their historic joint success in defeating ISIS.
اضافة اعلان
Trump stated that the United States remains firmly committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Libya, supporting the reunification of the country and its institutions, and standing alongside the Libyan people as they work toward holding successful national elections.
At the same time, Trump stressed that "Libya cannot continue to serve as a transit route for illegal migration, and this must end now."
He noted that the Libyan people have suffered for years from terrorism and foreign interference, expressing hope that Libyans would unite, reclaim their sovereignty, and secure a future of peace and prosperity.
Offensive Remarks
Trump's latest statements follow widespread anger and condemnation among Libya's political circles and the public over comments he made during an election rally in Perry, Georgia.
During the rally, Trump criticized U.S. immigration policies, questioning why the United States accepts immigrants from countries he described as "terrorism-infested" and "filthy," including Libya, Yemen, Haiti, and Somalia, rather than countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
In response, Libya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation under the Government of National Unity summoned U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Inga Hemmink to the ministry's headquarters to deliver a formal protest note demanding clarification and an official correction of the remarks.
The ministry firmly rejected any statements that undermine the dignity of the Libyan people or draw Libya and its citizens into U.S. electoral disputes and domestic political calculations. It emphasized that respect for sovereignty and adherence to diplomatic norms are fundamental principles governing relations between nations.
Libya's Sovereignty
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah stated on his X account that Libya is a sovereign nation that rejects any insult directed at the country or its people, who have made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
He reaffirmed Libya's commitment to maintaining relations with Washington based on mutual respect, while rejecting attempts to use the country's dignity as a tool for electoral political gain.
Similarly, Libya's Presidential Council issued a statement strongly condemning Trump's remarks, describing them as unacceptable and an affront to the dignity of the Libyan people.
Meanwhile, Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of eastern Libya's forces, called for a clear official response proportionate to the seriousness of the offense.
In a Facebook post, he stressed that Libya's national dignity must remain above all other considerations, adding that maintaining friendly relations with the United States does not conflict with upholding national sovereignty and mutual respect.
