Exclusive Interview with Dzair Tube: Ahmed Khalifa, Secretary-General of Libyan National Authority Against Normalization, Emphasizes the Need for Arab Unity to Counter the Threat of Normalization in Maghreb Region
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– In an exclusive interview with “Dzair Tube,” Ahmed Khalifa, the Secretary-General of the Libyan National Authority Against Normalization, shed light on the concerning normalization trends in the Maghreb region and their implications for national security. Khalifa highlighted the dangers posed by the so-called “treacherous Makhzen regime” and the imperative for Arab unity in the face of these challenges.
The interview delved into various aspects, including the recent meeting between Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Al-Mangoush and the Zionist official, which drew widespread attention. Khalifa’s insights provided a comprehensive view of the Libyan perspective on normalization and its implications, both at a personal and popular level.
Normalization: A Systematic Threat to National Security
Khalifa asserted that the Libyan people were not taken aback by the news of the meeting, citing the ongoing Zionist activities, particularly through the Union of the Jewish Community Abroad. He emphasized that the thought behind the meeting was rooted in the agenda of the Zionist American enemy. The meeting’s occurrence was seen as an attempt to exploit Libya’s vulnerabilities, stemming from its ongoing struggles with territorial integrity and regional instability. Had it not been for the resolute stance taken by the Libyan people against normalization, the consequences might have been more widespread and severe.
He said: “Indeed, the unfolding events did not catch us off guard, given the ongoing Zionist intrusions that have been in progress for a considerable duration. This activity has been particularly evident through the activities of the Union of the Jewish Community Abroad, an organization led by the leader of the Libyan Jewish community in Rome. The meeting between Minister Najla al-Manqoush and the Zionist official was a direct outcome of the strategic planning of the Zionist American adversary.
Libya, a nation grappling with not only internal conspiracies that threaten its territorial integrity but also external perils, has unfortunately evolved into a susceptible breeding ground for normalization efforts. It has become alarmingly susceptible to infiltration, potentially leading it to align with the ranks of other Arab nations that have already normalized relations with the Zionist entity. The fact that this scenario did not fully materialize can be attributed to the determined stance taken by the Libyan populace, as vividly portrayed through media outlets. However, this visible resistance is just the surface manifestation of a much larger underlying sentiment.
Had the aforementioned minister not sought refuge beyond the borders of Libya and had the government steadfastly upheld an unwavering position in solidarity with the Palestinian cause while adamantly refusing recognition, the situation could have escalated to a far more extensive and profound level.”
Public Rejection of Normalization
The Libyan population’s response to normalization calls mirrored the sentiment across the Arab world. Khalifa highlighted that the Libyan people categorically rejected any form of normalization and went as far as siding with the enemy against their own nation, in the cases of the UAE and Morocco. He noted the commonality between the people of Algeria and Libya in their historical struggle against colonialism and their commitment to the Palestinian cause. This shared legacy fostered a strong sense of loyalty to this important cause.
He said:” The populace of Libya unequivocally rebuff any appeals for normalization coming from certain Arab nations. Furthermore, they have gone beyond the bounds of mere normalization, positioning themselves in alignment with an adversary against their own country. Simultaneously, they have entered into a military partnership with this adversary, acting against their nation’s core principles. Among the nations deeply embroiled in this situation, the Emirates and Morocco stand at the forefront.”
Algeria and the Unwavering Commitment to Resistance
Khalifa applauded Algeria’s unwavering commitment to opposing normalization, drawing parallels between the struggles of Algeria and Libya against colonialism. He criticized the reactionary and traitorous nature of certain regimes, like Morocco, that align with the Zionist enemy to the detriment of Arab national security. This alliance, he noted, poses a direct threat to the security of Algeria, with the Libyan people standing firmly in support of their Algerian counterparts.
He said: “The United Arab Emirates is employing a combination of inducements and coercive tactics to advance its agenda of normalization. It has sought to breach the national security of various Arab regions and countries through these means. Unlike the Emirates and other players, Morocco stands independent, lacking the requirement for backing or provocation. Characterized as a regressive and disloyal government, Morocco’s involvement in schemes against Arab national security has brought its true intentions to the forefront. This is evident in its collaboration with the Zionist adversary and affiliated groups. Simultaneously, both Morocco and the Zionist foe are actively pursuing their shared interests through their coalition. This alignment poses a threat to Algeria’s security, an unequivocal reality recognized by the people of Libya. They vehemently oppose any encroachment on their own national security, as well as the established principles of Arab collective security, principles shared with the Algerian population. These two nations have a history of battling colonialism and remain committed to resisting all its forms and any normalization with it. The Zionist adversary, a target focused on Palestine’s comprehensive liberation, is well understood in this regard.
Undoubtedly, the heirs of Omar Al-Mokhtar and Abdelkader El Djezairi have committed themselves to the unwavering principles of resisting colonialism and occupation, while simultaneously championing their nation’s causes and actively contributing to them. Both Algerians and Libyans consistently step up as volunteers in the face of colonialism and its instruments. The Algerian government’ stances during the setback of 1967 and the resolute positions of President Houari Boumediene from that period are all part of an enduring heritage passed down by their predecessors, underscoring their resolute dedication to these enduring principles. Their most recent actions involve vacating Libyan cities to counteract normalization efforts, vehemently denouncing an unfortunate official visit, and seeking retribution against the now-fleeing minister through legal channels.”
Towards Unified Maghreb Action
Khalifa stressed the necessity of unity among Arab Maghreb nations to counter normalization efforts collectively. He highlighted the establishment of the Maghreb Observatory for Anti-Normalization, which aims to coordinate efforts against normalization in the region. He called for greater cohesion between Arab forces opposing normalization, indicating that Algeria’s strong stance against normalization serves as a beacon of hope.
He said: “Indeed, we have recognized the need for enhanced communication and unity among the national factions within the Greater Arab Maghreb. This recognition led us to establish the Maghreb Observatory for Anti-Normalization three years ago. This observatory encompasses both the national forces and organizations opposed to normalization within the Maghreb Union. Through this initiative, we have been closely monitoring various attempts by the Zionist enemy and its supporters to entangle Maghreb nations in normalization efforts.
We firmly believe that a unified front must be forged at the broader Arab level, uniting all forces that stand against normalization. This unity is especially crucial given the unequivocal support we currently witness in Algeria. Algeria’s resolute stance, driven by its unwavering determination and sovereign decisions, rejects any acknowledgement of the Zionist enemy and outrightly opposes normalization.
Algeria finds itself contending with the orchestrated normalization led by Morocco, which poses a considerable threat to its national security. This peril is further exacerbated by the Moroccan-Zionist alliance, which not only endangers Algeria but also casts its shadow over Tunisia. To culminate our endeavors, we are on the brink of launching the Arab Observatory against Normalization. This comprehensive initiative will encompass all Arab entities dedicated to resisting normalization.
We are eager for this observatory to be headquartered in Algeria, a testament to our commitment to safeguarding Arab national security and thwarting conspiratorial machinations targeting both Algeria and the broader Arab realm. This initiative is grounded in the shared beliefs upheld by the various grassroots movements that have found common ground and will continue to unite under the banner of the Arab Observatory Against Normalization. We are steadfast in our intention to launch this initiative in the near future, with the grace of God.”
In conclusion, Khalifa emphasized that the planned launch of the Arab Observatory Against Normalization is a testament to the commitment of Arab nations in safeguarding their national security and resisting external conspiracies. The interview with Ahmed Khalifa sheds light on the urgent need for Arab unity in the face of normalization, with a focus on preserving the principles of resistance and the Palestinian cause.
