Extradition of Gaddafi loyalists in Egypt near

TRIPOLI — A number of Gaddafi loyalists are soon to be returned to Libya from exile in Egypt, the Egyptian ambassador, Hisham Abdul-Wahab, has announced.

He said that all that remains before the men can be returned is to finalize the legal technicalities. The handover is to be conducted according to the provisions of the Judicial Cooperation Convention signed by the two countries.

A large number of Gaddafi loyalists fled to Egypt in the aftermath of last year’s revolution, including the late-dictator’s cousin, Ahmed Gaddaf El-Dum.

It is not known whether El-Dum, who was controversially approached by the cleric Ali Salabi as part of an abortive reconciliation effort in May, is amongst those due to be returned to Libya.

The ambassador also said that he was liaising with Libyan authorities regarding Egyptian nationals being held by militias in Tripoli. He stressed that securing their release was a priority for Egypt, and that he personally hoped that it could be achieved very soon.

Around 5,000 people are thought to be held illegally by militias across Libya, according to a report from Human Rights Watch last month. — Libya Herald