France's embassy in Libya reopens
France has reopened its embassy in the war-torn country of Libya, with
the diplomatic representation tweeting "Back to work!" on Monday.
President Emmanuel Macron had already announced the plans last week.
The country wants to signal its support for the newly elected
transitional government in Libya.
The leadership under Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Mohammed Dbeibeh was
sworn in a fortnight ago. It replaces the internationally recognized government
based in Tripoli and the rival government based in the east of the country, and
is to lead Libya to nationwide elections on December 24.
In 2014, France had moved its diplomatic mission to Tunisia. The year
before, its embassy in Libya's capital Tripoli had been attacked.
Libya has been in turmoil since long-time ruler Moamer Gaddafi was toppled
in 2011. The oil-rich country has become a proxy battleground for rival forces
and foreign powers.
The new transitional government has ignited hopes of a gradual end to the conflict. The foreign ministers of France, Germany and Italy recently backed the new leadership with a visit to Libya.
