France now sets it sights on Libya and organizes a meeting on Libyan Security to propagate its ideas, lest it be seen as an repeat colonial aggressor of North Africa.

Nations which helped topple the regime of Muammar Gaddafi met on Tuesday (February 12) to discuss how to stabilise Libya.

Libya has been beset by security problems since the late dictator was toppled.

Diplomats from the United States, Arab Nations, the United Nations and European Union convened in Paris to talk about the country’s legal system and security.

[Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Minister]:
“We are all convinced, it’s obvious, that the security issue is an absolutely major issue, not only for one country but for all our counties. Because if there is no security there is no sustainable development. Without security there is no stable democracy. So by helping the security of Libya, we are helping our own security.”

Following a French-led intervention in Mali, Libyan and foreign diplomats fear an exodus of Malian and foreign Islamist fighters posing a greater threat unless Mali’s porous borders are secured.

[Mohamed Abdelaziz, Libyan Foreign Minister]:
“Terrorism is increasing day after day in many parts of the world, requiring not only legislative response but really active response at the operation level. Such response should not be indivisible, it should be united, because it’s a united front against terrorism.”

Fabius also spoke out against North Korea, which conducted its third nuclear test on Tuesday, in defiance of existing U.N. resolutions and drawing condemnation from around the world, including from its only major ally, China.

[Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Minister]:
“We very firmly ask North Korea to respect the international legality. We note that among those who have condemned this action, against which North Korea was warned, there is China, which means something.”