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France denounces attempted assassination of Libyan PM Sarraj

PARIS, Feb 21 (KUNA) -- France on Tuesday denounced a failed assassination attempt on Monday in Tripoli against Libyan Prime Minister Fayyez Sarraj, who heads a "national unity" government that is seen as increasingly embattled.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called Sarraj on Tuesday and told him of the support he had from France in the wake of the attack that targeted his convoy in the Libyan capital.
"Jean-Marc Ayrault condemned this act and reiterated the full support of France for the presidential council and the efforts to arrive at a compromise between all Libyan political forces, in liaison with the United Nations and the countries of the region," a Foreign Ministry statement said.
Ayrault also restated his support for the reinforcing of a robust Presidential Guard corps which is currently headed by General Najmi Naqua.
The Foreign Ministry said that General Naqua will soon visit Paris for talks on the evolution of this force and to discuss security matters.
France has said it is willing to assist the government in Tripoli with security needs for internal issues but also to secure Libya's borders and prevent the easy passage of terrorist and other criminal groups. (end) jk.gb