No resolution in Libyan conflict due to lack of joint action, Turkish foreign minister tells country's state-run broadcaster
The global system failed to take a joint action to end the Libya crisis, Turkish foreign minister said on Thursday.
“International system could not take a joint action to halt conflict in Libya. There is also a lack of resolution,” Mevlut Cavusoglu told the country's state-run broadcaster, TRT.
Since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: Haftar in eastern Libya, supported mainly by Egypt and the UAE, and the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.
The GNA has been under attack by Haftar since last April, with more than 1,000 lives lost in the violence.
Warring parties announced a cease-fire on Jan. 12 in response to a joint call by Turkey and Russia. But talks for a permanent cease-fire ended without an agreement after Haftar left Moscow on Jan. 14 without signing a deal.
On Feb. 19, the GNA said forces loyal to Haftar killed three civilians and injured five in two missile attacks on the Port of Tripoli.
Following the attack, the GNA late Tuesday announced it withdrew from the UN-hosted military committee talks in Geneva until a determined stance is embraced against the violations of Haftar’s forces.
On Wednesday, Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj announced the suspension of all talks with Haftar, hinting at a decisive offensive against his forces.
- Attack in Germany
Cavusoglu also said: “If European countries fail to stop racism, it becomes very dangerous,”
His remarks came after a 43-year-old German far-right extremist, identified as Tobias R., killed at least nine people Wednesday night in the western town of Hanau, near Frankfurt.
Several Turkish citizens were feared to be among the victims, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
