Head of the National Lobby Army Heftar refused to sign agreement • Senior Lobby: Reason for Abandonment - Turkey's desire to promote interests
Khalifa Khafter in Moscow // Photo: AFP
General Khalifa Khafter, who heads the National Libyan Army, refused to sign a ceasefire agreement with the National Consent Government in Tripoli because of Turkish involvement. This was reported during the night (Tuesday) in Arab media. The Reuters news agency quoted a message from its official website that they are ready and determined to win.
According to reports in Reuters, the talks that took place indirectly achieved progress but failed to bring about a ceasefire in the war over the capital Tripoli. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said national agreement prime minister Faiz a-Saraj had signed the agreement, but Haftar sought time to reconsider it.
An official of the National Lobby Army, Khafter's force, was quoted as saying Turkey intended to take advantage of the ceasefire by forcing itself as another factor in Libya, in a way that would legitimize its agreements with the national consent government. As mentioned, these agreements decided on new maritime borders and military aid. Turkey has also sent troops to assist Tripoli in military training and counseling. On the other hand, according to various reports, the country has Russian mercenaries who help to excavate.
The same official added that they are open to any initiative that will eliminate terrorism, dismantle militias and restore the legitimacy of the people in Libyan context. However, their agenda clashed with Turkish, political and economic interests at the discussion table.
Stirring in Libya as well. Erdogan // Photo: IP
According to the senior official, Turkey wanted to advance its political and economic interests by pushing the national consent government to cease fire on current fighting lines. That is, "for the interests of Turkey in Libya and not for the Libyans." As a result, Huffter was reported to have left Moscow without signing the ceasefire agreement.
Government sources in Tripoli reported last night in the Al-Arab al-Jadeed newspaper that Serage had left for the capital of Russia to sign a ceasefire agreement with Khafter, who was also there for that purpose. The sources emphasized in a conversation with al-Arab al-Jadeid that Serraj had agreed to go to Moscow to sign an agreement under Turkish pressure, provided he did not have to meet with Khutar face-to-face. Indeed, there was no official meeting between the two, and the talks were conducted indirectly.
Prime Minister Sharag National Consent // Photo: AFP
According to the sources, the ceasefire was supposed to be under Russia and Turkey guarantee, which would mediate between the parties and prepare them for starting policy talks to resolve the Libyan crisis.
During the night, the Prime Minister in Tripoli issued a special message to the lobbying people, stressing that he was sticking with the "civil state" dream, while media outlets in Russia reported the expected discussions in Moscow for an overall political arrangement. Suraj, it should be noted, was supported by Islamist forces, militias and countries like Turkey and Qatar. In contrast, Huffter was supported by France and Egypt and now controls most of Libya's territory.
"Don't think we're in a hurry to sacrifice our sons and our martyr's blood, or sell the process leading to a civilian state. The ceasefire is designed to push for a future agreement and prevent more Libyan blood from being spilled," said Serage. He said his government was addressing the ceasefire from a position of strength and a desire to maintain national cohesion and social fabric. This, while "ready to resume military operations, and to overcome aggression in the event of any breaches of the ceasefire agreement".