Algerian authorities partially re-open crossing border with Libya

Foreign ministers of Libya neighboring countries insisted in their 11th ministerial meeting statement that, Libyan bank accounts in foreign banks must be unfrozen as they belong to the Libyan people, which is meant to achieve their national needs. The international Security Council froze these assets to prevent former president, Muammar Gaddafi from moving the money of the Libyan sovereign wealth fund which is estimated by 67 million dollars.

Algeria coordinated with Libya to partially reopen the border center between the town of Dabdab in the province of Ilizi and the city of Ghadames in southern Libya for emergency, taking in consideration that, Algeria closed all of its three borders with Libya in 2014 because of the security situation and the armed clashes between the Libyan National Army and Islamic extremists. During this time, the Algerian army received orders not to allow the entrance of any Libyan or Algerian citizen through these borders. This decision came at the same time Algeria announced that it is closing its embassy in Tripoli and deporting its diplomats including the Algerian ambassador in Libya.

Local press reports said that, the decision to reopen the border center came after the last visit of Algerian Minister of Maghreb Affairs, Abdelkader Messahel to the cities of south Libya including Ghadames city. He praised the exerted efforts to liberate Sart city including wounded young men who receive treatment in Algerian hospitals.