Libya Keen on Iran Ties

Libyan Foreign Ministry spokesman Saad Elshlmani said his country is determined to promote ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran following the overthrow of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Elshlmani described Iran as an influential country in the region, adding his country is willing to broaden relations with Tehran, IRNA reported.

He wished success for Iran during its presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the next three years.

Gaddafi was killed in his hometown of Sirte on October 20, eight months after an uprising that put an end to 42 years of iron-fist rule by the former dictator.

Gaddafi was the first Arab dictator to be killed in the wave of the popular uprisings and revolutions, which swept North Africa and the Middle East late in 2010.

On the West’s pressures on Iran to prevent the country from pursuing nuclear technology, the Libyan official said all countries including Iran have the right to use nuclear energy and should not be deprived of the energy for peaceful purposes.