LOC20:06
17:06 GMT
PARIS, April 15 (KUNA) -- The French government on Tuesday condemned the kidnapping earlier in the day of the Jordanian Ambassador to Libya, seized my armed men in the capital, Tripoli.
"France condemns the kidnapping of the Jordanian ambassador in Tripoli. We call on the Libyan authorities to do everything possible to protect diplomatic personnel and premises, in accordance with the Vienna Convention," a French Foreign Ministry statement said.
France has been one of a number of foreign countries targeted in Libya when its embassy was car-bombed recently, injuring two French guards.
Sweden, Italy and the UAE have also seen diplomats or diplomatic missions targeted in the troubled North African country, which has severe internal and border security problems.
"France urges the Libyans to reject the use of force and to work together to continue the transition and build a state governed by the rule of law, while seeking to remain faithful to the principles that guided the revolution," the French statement added.
Diplomat sources told KUNA that the situation "is not getting any better" in Libya despite efforts to bolster security and European efforts to get a programme up and running to train and equip government security personnel.
It is estimated that there are dozens of armed militias vying for influence and control throughout Libya. (end)
jk.bs