Algerian president not to attend Paris conference on Libya

ANKARA

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will not attend the Paris conference slated for Nov. 12 to discuss Libya's upcoming elections, local media reported.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said that Algeria will be represented in the conference, but not by the president, daily news Echorouk Online reported.

The conditions are “unfavorable” for Tebboune to participate in the conference, Lamamra said, referring to the ongoing diplomatic row with France following several statements by French President Emmanuel Macron which were viewed by Algerians as insulting.

The Paris conference is expected to see participation by 20 countries, including the US, Russia, Germany, Turkey, and Egypt.

Libya’s presidential and parliamentary elections are set to take place on Dec. 24 under an agreement reached by Libyan political rivals in Tunisia on Nov. 15, 2020.

Libyans hope that the upcoming elections will contribute to ending an armed conflict that has plagued the oil-rich country for years.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara