Tunisia negates being in alliance with Turkey, Libya’s GNA

CAIRO - 26 December 2019: Spokeswoman of the Tunisian Presidency Rashida al-Nayfar negated on Thursday her country is part of any alliance encompassing the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and Turkey, affirming the neutral stance of her state “towards all parties.”

The statement on the alliance was made by GNA’s Ministry of Interior Fathy Bash Agha in a press conference. Agha also stated on Thursday that the GNA, which is not elected, may request Turkish military support if the war near Tripoli continues, as the Libyan National Army (LNA) has been attempting to enter Tripoli since April.

The spokeswoman of the Tunisian Presidency added that her country’s political support to the GNA is out of eagerness to hold onto international legitimacy, and that such backing is coupled with producing a peaceful solution without taking sides.

On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan visited Tunisia to discuss cooperation over endeavors to reach a ceasefire in Libya.

Erdogan stated that troops will be sent to Libya upon the request of the interim government in Tripoli and that the parliament is expected to pass the decree on January 8.

On Thursday, the Turkish gazette published the endorsement of the MoU on military and security cooperation signed by Turkey and the Government of National Accord (GNA) on November 27 announcing its enactment. On December 21, the Turkish parliament’s plenary session approved the MoU’s endorsement.