TRIPOLI, Libya – Libyan militiamen seized the Tunisian consulate in Tripoli Friday, June 12, and are holding 10 of its employees there, the Tunisian foreign ministry said
A statement said the ministry denounced “the intrusion of an armed group in the offices of the Tunisian consulate in Tripoli and the detention of 10 staff of the mission.”
“All government services are following developments with interest in coordination with Libyan, regional and international parties, to liberate without delay the Tunisian mission team and guarantee its safety,” it added.
The ministry criticized what it said was “flagrant violation of Tunisia’s international sovereignty and international and diplomatic norms.”
Tunis did not say who had seized its consul staff in Tripoli, which is controlled by the Islamist-led Fajr Libya militia alliance.
Libya has descended into chaos since a NATO-backed revolt unseated longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. It has rival governments and parliaments, and powerful militias are battling for influence and a share of its oil wealth.
Last month, a militia forming part of the coalition ruling Tripoli seized 245 Tunisians in the Libyan capital. All were later released unharmed. – Rappler.com
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