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Egypt intensifies efforts over hostages in Libya: FM spokesman

Xinhua, February 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

Egypt is communicating with official and non-official figures in Libya, Libyan tribe chiefs, independent figures as well as regional and international figures to resolve the issue of the abducted Egyptians in Libya, the Foreign Ministry's spokesman told Xinhua on Friday.

"By instructions of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, a crisis-management cell has been constantly convened to resolve the issue and verify the circulated news in the media," Badr Abdel-Atty added.

Some Egyptians Coptic Christians were kidnapped by militants in the Libyan city of Sirte in December and January.

Websites affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) militant group released photos allegedly for Egyptians hostages and said the "Tripoli State Soldiers" group captured and executed 21 Egyptian Copts in Libya.

Abdel-Atty told Xinhua that Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri, who is currently visiting Addis Ababa, held communications with his U.S., British, French and Russian counterparts as well as the UN envoy to Libya over the issue.

"The talks addressed the situation in Libya, the developments of the kidnapped Egyptians and the international cooperation and efforts to support the Egyptian people and state in such a critical circumstance."

He noted that Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab is currently in a meeting with representatives and family members of the abducted Egyptians to reassure them and update them with the latest developments.

Earlier on Thursday, official MENA news agency said that President Sisi instructed all concerned ministries and institutions to carry out an urgent plan to deal with the Egyptian expatriates in Libya and return those of them who desire to come back home.

Christian foreigners have been targeted several times in Libya. In late 2014, a family of Egyptian Christians were found killed. The husband, a doctor, and his pharmacist wife were shot dead at their residence, while their 18-year-old daughter was found dead west of Sirte.

The turmoil-stricken Arab country is an ideal destination for thousands of Egyptian workers, many of whom are hired in the construction sector. Endit