German FM expects Libya deal before Christmas

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS Dec 14 (KUNA) -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Monday that yesterday's Rome meeting on Libya was a further step forward."I believe that before Christmas the major powers in Libyan society will reach an agreement. A lot will depend on the extent of how many will try to block creation of a unitary government. This is why we need to give our support" he told reporters as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers.Secondly he said they will meet the Turkish foreign minister to discuss about the crisis-ridden close neighbourhood of Turkey."Not only regarding refugees but also concerning Syria. Syrian opposition met recently in Riyadh We are seeking a ceasefire between the opposition and Al-Assad first then a political transition phase towards a new Syrian Constitution and democratic elections" he added.On his part Philip Hammond UK Foreign Secretary said today's meeting is an opportunity to look at the interlinked themes of how we deal with the terrorism threat here in Europe and how we take forward our campaign against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. "We've got a lunch with the Turkish foreign minister which will be an opportunity to review how the EU is working with Turkey as strategic partner in these areas" he said.Hammond said he would like to update the ministers on planning for the London-Syria conference in February "which again we have high ambitions for as a basis on which to try to encourage those displaced from Syria to remain in the region and to give them some hope and some future in the region." (PicK up previous) nk.mt