Libya's remaining chemical weapons shipped to Germany

Libya's remaining chemical weapons were shipped out of the country to Germany by Danish ships on Tuesday, an official said.

Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Musa Al-Koni said "Libya's entire inventory of chemical weapons has been shipped abroad."

The process is supervised by the United Nations, based on UN Security Council resolution No. 2298, which was adopted on July 22. The resolution authorized member states to transfer and destroy Libya's chemical weapons.

On Aug. 19, Danish parliament officially decided to lead a maritime operation to remove Libyan chemical weapons to Germany.

"We will undertake a leading role in an important operation to remove the remainder of Libya's chemical stockpile, which otherwise risks falling into the wrong hands," Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen said.

Libya's remaining chemical weapons belong to Muammar Gaddafi's regime, which was overthrown in the 2011 uprising.

The chemicals have been shipped off the coast of Misrata (some 200 km east the capital Tripoli).

An official from the city said that "Libya has become free of chemical weapons.

"We did not want these weapons in the light of the current security situation and the presence of Daesh in the region," the official said.

The chemicals have been stored in Al-Jufrah region, about 200 km south of Sirte, where forces loyal to the government have been fighting Islamic State affiliates since May.

Source : XINHUA