‘Focus on armistice’: UN official to Libyans, involved countries

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Thu, 26 Dec 2019 - 04:00 GMT

BY

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 - 04:00 GMT

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CAIRO - 26 December 2019: “We call upon all parties, whether those fighting on the ground or others supporting them, to focus on armistice,” Spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary General Stephane Dujarric de la Rivière commented on Turkey’s moves to deploy troops in Libya on Thursday in a meeting with journalists in the headquarters.

Turkish President Recep Tayip 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.

On Wednesday, Erdogan visited Tunisia to discuss cooperation over endeavors to reach a ceasefire in Libya. On Thursday, the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA)’s Ministry of Interior Fathy Bash Agha stated in a press conference that Tunisia is part of an alliance encompassing GNA and Turkey, which was negated by Spokeswoman of the Tunisian Presidency Rashida al-Nayfar.

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 UN-backed non-elected GNA has not reached an agreement with LNA and is protected by militias. Since April, LNA has been attempting to enter Tripoli and captured Mitiga airport for a while.

Chief of Staff of the Libyan Naval Force Faraj al-Mahdawi said on Sunday that the navy is on high alert to confront any possible attack by Turkish forces on Libya. "The army is also ready for action and will block any backup for the militias and prevent access of Turkish forces into the Libyan lands," Mahdawi told Al-Arabiya.

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