Latest from Libya Observer
Libya Observer
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libya, Japan agree to strengthen bilateral relations across various fields
Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisayuki Fujii, has met with the Chargé d'Affaires at the Libyan Embassy in Japan, Ahmed Al-Naas, to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Minister Fujii welcomed the ongoing progress in bilateral relations since the reopening of the Japanese Embassy in Libya in January of last year. For his part, Al-Naas expressed hope for strengthening ties between Japan and Libya across various fields, including through opportunities such as the upcoming TICAD 9 Conference. News Tagged: Japan
Libya Observer
11 hours ago
- General
- Libya Observer
New archaeological discovery northeast of Benghazi uncovers Roman cemetery and settlement
The Libyan Antiquities Authority has announced the discovery of a significant archaeological site northeast of Benghazi, known as Haqfat Lusaeq. The site includes ancient inscriptions, a cave cemetery, and the remains of a Roman settlement. A joint team from the Benghazi and Tokra antiquities offices conducted a field visit to document and record the location. During their exploration, they found inscriptions and carvings etched into the cave walls, indicating that the cave was used as a burial site in various historical periods. Nearby, they identified remnants of a Roman settlement, including the foundations and walls of several ancient buildings. An old olive press was also found at the site, supporting evidence of agricultural and commercial activity during the Roman era. Field investigations revealed the name of the Roman settlement to be Grosin, named after a nearby valley. According to the Authority, this discovery adds valuable insight to the mapping of Roman urban distribution in eastern Libya. Tags: Libyan Antiquities Authority Archeological Sites
Libya Observer
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL invites youth in Ajdabiya, Al-Bayda, Derna, and Shahhat to discuss Advisory Committee options
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on young people from the cities of Ajdabiya, Al-Bayda, Derna, Shahhat, and surrounding areas to take part in discussion sessions on the options and recommendations proposed by the Advisory Committee, and to share their concerns and suggestions. In a statement issued Thursday, the UNSMIL stated that the sessions are open to youth aged between 18 and 35. The consultations will be held at municipal headquarters as part of UNSMIL's 'Youth Participate' program, with sessions scheduled to take place in Ajdabiya on Monday, Al-Bayda on Tuesday, Derna on Wednesday, and Shahhat on Thursday. News Tagged: UNSMIL libyan youth
Libya Observer
11 hours ago
- Health
- Libya Observer
Libyan Red Crescent in Al-Bayda buries unidentified victims of Storm Daniel
The Libyan Red Crescent of Al-Bayda branch has carried out the burial of unidentified remains belonging to victims of Storm Daniel, as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts. In a statement on its official Facebook page, the Red Crescent said its teams buried two unidentified bodies, three skulls, and a collection of human bones, along with 31 miscarried fetuses. All the remains had been preserved in the morgue of Al-Bayda Medical Center. The Red Crescent explained that this action is part of its broader efforts to handle unidentified remains found in the aftermath of the deadly storm, which struck multiple cities in eastern Libya and caused extensive human and material losses. News Tagged: Libyan Red Crescent Unidentified bodies Storm Daniel
Libya Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
IMF warns of excessive spending in eastern Libya
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that authorities in eastern Libya spent approximately 60 billion Libyan dinars in 2024 without including this expenditure in official financial statements. In a report published Thursday, the IMF stated that the high level of spending, coupled with the shutdown of oil fields due to conflict, shifted the country's fiscal position from a projected surplus to a significant deficit. The report noted that the absence of a unified budget and the sharp increase in public spending prompted the Central Bank of Libya to devalue the dinar by about 15% against the US dollar. The IMF stressed that corruption remains widespread, with weaknesses across the tax and customs systems, education and healthcare sectors, fuel trade, and procurement processes. It also highlighted the presence of illegal activities contributing to the fragility of the situation. It urged Libyan authorities to agree on a unified budget and prioritize spending to bolster fiscal stability and credibility. It emphasized the need to enhance transparency by preparing and publishing audited financial accounts and oil revenue reports online. The IMF recommended gradually unifying the exchange rate, removing the foreign currency tax and exchange restrictions, particularly in the absence of political consensus on reducing expenditure. The report also noted that weak political institutions have eroded public trust in the banking sector, leading to liquidity shortages as people hoard cash. While acknowledging that the Central Bank's move to inject new banknotes is positive, the IMF stressed that it does not address the root problem. It called for restoring public confidence in banks and enforcing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures to support international banking relationships and economic stability. The IMF also underscored the need for comprehensive economic reforms to address obstacles facing the private sector, including the widespread informal economy, lack of regulatory frameworks, and limited access to financing and foreign currency. Finally, the report pointed out that armed groups continue to obstruct anti-corruption efforts, with some enjoying official status and actual control over certain areas.
