A visit to Tripoli will give the British government the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to an emerging Libyan government, a British official said. British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt arrived in Tripoli Tuesday. He said he would formalize a British Embassy office in the former rebel capital Benghazi and open a visa application center in Tripoli during his two-day visit to Libya.
"I am delighted to return to Libya at a key stage in its transition as the Libyan people prepare for their first democratic elections in over 40 years," he said in a statement. "I look forward to reaffirming the U.K.'s commitment to Libya."
The British military was part of the NATO-led intervention in Libya last year meant to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi. Since Gadhafi's death in October, the new interim government has set the stage for national elections but dealt with internal clashes and autonomy bids.
British lawmakers are investigating their country's alleged involvement in so-called extraordinary renditions of Libyan nationals.
Burt's visit coincides with an international oil and natural gas investment conference in Tripoli.
Source: UPI
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