Reopening of main Tunisia-Libya border crossing postponed by 48 hours

Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisia and Libya have agreed to postpone the reopening of their main border crossing at Ras Jadir by 48 hours, pending the solution of some issues related to its operation, the president of the Tunisian observatory for human rights, Mustapha Abdelkrim said.

The two countries made the decision at a coordination meeting on Tuesday, which found points of convergence on how the Ras Jadir crossing works.

While waiting to find solutions to the points of divergence, the crossing will be exclusively reserved for Tunisians and Libyans wishing to return to their respective countries, he said, adding that Libyan ambulances are also allowed to enter Tunisia, but without the cars of the attendants.

Thus, the crossing remains closed to traditional activities and trade since Libya's decision on 23 October to close it.

Tunisian, for its part, said that the crossing is open on its side.

Travellers from both Tunisia and Libya want better treatment in both countries and more respect for their dignity as well as more efficient operation, in particular, for Libyans who travel to Tunisia by opening more corridors, Mustapha Abdelkrim added.

He also stressed the need to strengthen human and logistical resources in order to reduce the length of formalities.

He called for the reopening of the border crossing as soon as possible in the interests of both countries.

The Libyan Interior Ministry decided to close the crossing on the Libyan side to cars, people and trucks carrying goods.

Ras Jadir is the largest border crossing between Tunisia and Libya.

Libyans often complain of the mistreatment of Tunisians and the length of formalities of up to 20 hours, which causes a lot of suffering for Libyan families and sick people.

-0- PANA YY/IN/JSG/BBA/MA 30Oct2019