Trump’s travel ban puts off Washington conference on Libya
A conference planned to take place this mid-February in Washington DC to discuss Libyan political issues was delayed over the Donald Trump’s travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, including Libya.
“The Feb. 16 conference titled “Libya-U.S. Relations 2017: New Vision, Hope and Opportunities,” and co-hosted by the National Council on U.S.-Libya Relations, had listed Libyan speakers, including two former prime ministers and the head of the National Oil Corporation (NOC).” Reuters reported Friday.
The organisers said it won’t be possible to get the Libyan guests into the US just because of the ban of the Trump executive order.
“We have been working for visa waivers for speakers and key sponsors and based on our conversations with the various institutions involved in making the decision, there was consensus this was an important event and there is political will to facilitate the conference but it’s just a question of timing and we understand that humanitarian exceptions are a priority,” ” Rihab El Haj, a member of the National Council on U.S.-Libya relations, told Reuters.
She said that maybe they could assign a later date for the conference, but for now, the whole thing is hindered.
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