Libya: German Foreign Minister makes unannounced visit

Germany’s top diplomat made Sunday a surprise visit to Libya amid efforts by Berlin to help rival factions end their differences.

Heiko Maas landed at the airport of the coastal city of Zuwara where he was welcomed by Foreign Minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), Mohamed Taher Sayala.

According to press reports, the visit was unannounced for security reasons.

Libya has been cracked by rivalries since 2011 in the wake of the ouster and demise of Muammar Gaddafi, in a NATO-backed revolution.

Capital Tripoli’s airports are unsafe since April when east-based rebel military commander Khalifa Haftar launched a surprise military offensive on the capital that he alleged is controlled by Islamists and gangs.

The offensive thwarted UN efforts to reunify rival sides that had earlier agreed to hold elections late this year.

Germany, which the UN believes has no interest in the oil-rich country, has proposed to host an international conference between the rival camps.

However, three preparatory meetings have failed to pave the way for the conference.