Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia push political dialogue in Libya

Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia on Tuesday agreed to push for political dialogue to end the crisis in Libya, rejecting any foreign interference or a military solution to the conflict.

The joint statement labelled the "Algiers declaration" appeared to reconcile differences between the countries on how to bring stability to the country, where rival armed factions have been fighting for control since Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in 2011.

"The political solution is the only way to resolve the crisis through inclusive dialogue, the rejection of interference and military options," said a statement on Algeria's state news agency APS.

The ministers also discussed the preservation of "territorial integrity, sovereignty and unity of Libya" at the closed-door meeting, Reuters reported.

The announcement came after Egypt's military carried out repeated airstrikes last month against extremist training camps in Libya after the Islamic State slayed 29 Coptic Christians near Minya.

Algeria has been pushing for inclusive dialogue in Libya while Egypt has openly voiced support for the military commander Khalifa Haftar, who controls powerful armed factions in the east of the country and rejects the UN-backed government in Tripoli.

Part of Egypt's support for Haftar lies in the Libyan commander’s objective of driving out Islamists from eastern Libya.

Egypt views militant activity near its border as a threat to its national security.

Libya has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, with rival authorities and militias battling for control of the oil-rich country.