Najla El Mangoush

“She did, however, mention that the topics included Libya’s security in the Mediterranean Sea and the preservation of its water, oil and energy resources.”

“Mangoush said she was not involved in the process, explaining she only played her part as a foreign minister to send her government’s message.”

“Mangoush insisted that her meeting was part of her job as a diplomat.”

“Mangoush said that the informal, secret meeting was planned by both the Israeli government and Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.”

““presented what we were worried about, our reservations, and the ideas that we tried to discuss with the Israeli side.””

““I lead Libyan diplomacy, and it is therefore my job to meet all foreign ministers. My job is to sit with those I agree and disagree with. My meeting does not mean my agreement with the policies of any party, but it is my duty as a diplomat looking after her country’s interests first and foremost.””

““This is diplomatic work,””

““There were many sensitive strategic and security issues, that matter to Libya’s safety and stability, that were discussed with the Israeli side, without going into details,””

““The crisis could have been resolved if Dbeibah had addressed the Libyan people directly with the truth,””