Algerian Academics: US Raid on Sabrata Undermines Political Process in Libya.

Algiers, 21 February 2106(Lana) The US air raid on the city of Sabrata could be a prelude to a military intervention in the Libya, which will undermine the ongoing political process to end the crisis in the country, Algerian academics said. 'This act could be interpreted as a first step of a military intervention in Libya, especially when there was argument in the West about a possible intervention in the North African country to encircle the Islamic State orgainsation or Da'esh there, said Idris Sharif, a professor at the national school of journalism in Algiers. He voiced his fear that it might jeopardize the political process in Libya, after prospects of a political solution have started to be seen, after the announcement of a national consensus government. Isamel Johari, Professor of Security Studies at the University of Algiers said the military strikes against Da'esh have been anticipated, but said the military option would have dire consequences than advantages. Johari said he wondered whether the strikes have been coordinated with the Libyan authorities, to contain the terrorist organisation, particularly after it seized the city of Sirte, or they were carried out in response to intelligence reports, to thwart their plots. The strikes remain unlawful from the international law perspective, he added. The UN Special Envoy to Libya Martin Kobler warned Thursday that time was not suitable for 'international air operations against Da'esh targets in Libya', saying they could undermine efforts to set up a national unity government. The Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, UK and the US as well as representatives of countries affected by terrorism held a meeting in Rome at the beginning of the month to discuss a strategy to fight the Da'esh organisation. =Lana= =Lana=