‘Cannot remain a corridor’: Trump demands Libya end illegal migration flows
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump commended the resilience of the Libyan population and their counter-terrorism coordination with Washington, whilst firmly maintaining that the North African state must immediately stop acting as a primary conduit for illegal migration.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump emphasised the mutual sacrifices made by both countries in countering extremist factions, referencing prior joint operations against ISIS.
"The Libyan people are proud, resilient, hospitable, and deserving of peace and prosperity. The United States and Libya share a strong and enduring partnership in combating terrorism, building on our historic success in defeating ISIS in Libya together," Trump stated.
However, underscoring the pressing necessity to stem unchecked migration across the Mediterranean Sea, the U.S. President demanded decisive steps.
"We respect the Libyan people and the sacrifices that brave Libyans made fighting ISIS, the common enemy of both our peoples, but Libya cannot remain a corridor for illegal migration, and this must end now," he said.
Highlighting Washington's backing for Libya's democratic transition, Trump reaffirmed U.S. support for unifying state apparatuses and conducting delayed national elections to resolve the country's long-standing political schism.
"The United States remains firmly committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship, supporting the long-awaited unification of Libya and Libya's institutions, and standing with the Libyan people as they transition toward successful national elections," Trump noted.
The U.S. President also demanded a halt to external geopolitical intervention in domestic Libyan matters, calling on opposing internal factions to unite under national authority.
"The Libyan people have been victims of terrorism and foreign meddling for years. I want them to unite, take back their sovereignty, and have the peaceful, prosperous future they deserve!" he added.
On Saturday, referencing Libya, Yemen, Haiti, and Somalia, Trump criticised Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff regarding his backing of legislation intended to grant temporary protected status to Haiti, reiterating his controversial "shithouse countries" phrasing.
Speaking at a political rally in Perry, Georgia, in support of Republican candidates, Trump commented on the issue.
"And John Ossoff personally sponsored a bill to bring armies of migrants from terror-infested countries like Libya, Yemen, Haiti, Somalia. Remember? Remember what I called them? Shithouse countries," Trump said.
"Remember the heat I took? Remember the heat I took from the Democrats?" he added, recalling a previous discussion with Democratic lawmakers concerning immigration policy.
Trump further alleged that 98 per cent of Somali residents in the United States were unemployed and claimed they profited from illicit activity.
ANI