特朗普政府宣布启动重新开放美国驻利比亚大使馆的计划[1]。国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥和非洲高级顾问马萨德·博洛斯在周一通知相关方，政府拟拨款近4100万美元用于恢复美国在利比亚的正式外交存在[1]。
美国驻利比亚大使馆自2014年7月关闭以来已停运近14年[1]。目前，美国外交官分别驻扎在突尼斯和马耳他[1]。
国务院表示，重新开放该大使馆对推进美国国家安全利益至关重要[1]。该机构在声明中指出，俄罗斯等竞争对手正在北非地区扩大影响力[1]。国务院曾在3月份向国会通报了筹备重新开放该大使馆的计划[1]。
The Trump administration is moving forward with efforts to restore diplomatic operations in Libya, announcing plans to reopen the US embassy in the North African nation after it shuttered nearly 14 years ago. [1]
The State Department is seeking approximately $41 million to fund the restoration of formal American diplomatic presence in Libya. [1] The embassy closed in July 2014. [1] State Department officials characterized the reopening as essential to advancing US national security interests, citing the expansion of influence by rival powers including Russia across North Africa. [1]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Masaad Boulos, a senior adviser on Africa, briefed congressional staff on the initiative on Monday. [1] Currently, American diplomats managing Libya affairs are based in Tunisia and Malta. [1]
The department had previously notified Congress in March of its consideration to prepare for the embassy's reopening. [1]