S. Korea to reopen embassy in Libya – report

SEOUL – South Korea will reopen this wee its embassy in Tripoli which closed in May, and construction firms will also soon resume work thanks to the improved security situation, a report said Sunday.

Diplomats who have been staying in neighboring Tunisia during the conflict, including ambassador Jo Dae-Sik, will return to the Libyan capital this week, Yonhap news agency said, citing a government official.

“Most South Korean builders will also resume operations in the country soon to take part in reconstruction efforts,” the official reportedly said.

Some 21 South Korean construction firms had been operating in Libya on projects worth $7.4 billion before the fighting began, but all work was suspended as the violence escalated.

Sixteen builders last week pledged to offer $500,000 in reconstruction aid, saying they plan to meet with the new leadership this month to discuss resuming operations and compensation for damage.

South Korea has officially recognised Libya’s victorious National Transitional Council as the legitimate government and pledged to offer humanitarian aid.