Algiers, Paris warn against military operation in Libya

Visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Tuesday that any military operation in Libya would generate more chaos in this violence-ridden nation.

"We have to learn lessons from what happened in 2011 (when late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled by force). Let's be honest, we have to avoid remaking the same actions that don't settle the issue," he told a press conference in Algiers with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra.

Reports have suggested that Western forces are preparing an imminent military operation in Libya to chase out affiliates of the Islamic State militant group.

"Military actions would generate more chaos and devastation, and thus would be against the interest of the Libyan people," he added.

For his part, the Algerian foreign minister urged Libyans "to get together to assume their responsibility and take their own destiny into their hands," saying that "Algeria is still backing up UN-sponsored peace process in Libya."

As for the situation in Mali, Lamamra said Algeria and France have to continue working closely to help Malians fulfill the peace and reconciliation accord signed in Algiers last year.

Lamamra further noted that the North African nation is committed to continuing the fight against terrorism, and sharing its experience to countries facing this threat, particularly in Africa."

He further indicated that Ayrault's visit also aims to prepare for the Algerian-French High-level Intergovernmental Committee meeting due in April, saying "Algiers and Paris are continuing their fruitful political consultations."

The French diplomat, after his arrival, has also held talks with senior Algerian leaders, including President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal. Endit