Tensions Ease on Libya Frontlines during Adha

Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
TT
20

Tensions Ease on Libya Frontlines during Adha

Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)
Livestock market in Tajoura, south-east of the Libyan capital Tripoli (File photo: AFP)

Clashes between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) eased on the fronts of Sirte and al-Jufra during Eid al-Adha as officials issued statements on the occasion.

Speaker Aguila Saleh urged all people to reject discord, overcome differences and uphold the interest of the country to preserve its unity, pride and dignity.

In a statement on the eve of the Eid, Saleh called for unity to confront all the dangers that could threaten the country to achieve security and stability and overcome this difficult stage.

The Speaker hoped that next year, Libyans would achieve a real consensus that leads to the unity of state institutions and the formation of a government which meets their expectations.

Saleh has returned to his residence in al-Qubbah in eastern Libya after a two-day visit to Jordan.

As for the LNA leader, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, he extended his congratulations on the occasion of the Eid, without sending any political messages. However, the GNA affirmed its full confidence in the people's ability to overcome the crises and have a better future.

Head of GNA Fayez al-Sarraj said he received a phone call from Tunisian President Kais Saied on the occasion of the Eid, during which discussed the recent developments in Libya and ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) said that the emergency team of the “Mellitah Oil and Gas” company managed to put out a fire that broke out in the Central Bank in Martyrs’ Square caused by a short circuit.

The Corporation extended its congratulations to the Libyan people, on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, hoping that security will prevail across the country. It wished all Libyans unity, especially in these circumstances and the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Earlier, NOC indicated that the number of mercenaries at Ras Lanuf petrochemical complex has recently increased, warning that their presence constitutes a threat to the safety of workers and industrial facilities within the complex.

“There are also a large number of military personnel in worker housing inside the residential area of Ras Lanuf town, in a flagrant violation of the law’s privacy and security,” said the statement.



Türkiye Denies Direct Talks with SDF, Demands Full Disarmament

Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)
Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)
TT
20

Türkiye Denies Direct Talks with SDF, Demands Full Disarmament

Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)
Türkiye insists on the dissolution of the SDF, the departure of foreign fighters from Syria, and the integration of remaining members into the new army (Reuters)

Türkiye has denied holding any direct negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), asserting that no dialogue is possible unless the group dissolves itself and fully disarms.

Omer Celik, spokesperson and deputy chair of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), firmly rejected recent reports and statements suggesting contacts between Turkish authorities and the SDF.

“No official meetings have taken place,” Celik stated Thursday, following a high-level party meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

His comments came in response to a recent interview with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who claimed there had been direct contacts and expressed openness to meeting Erdogan. Without naming Abdi directly, Celik dismissed the notion that Türkiye had engaged with the SDF as though it were an independent entity. “It is unacceptable to frame the situation in that way,” he said.

Celik reiterated that any engagement would only be possible if the SDF disbands, lays down its arms, and ends its affiliation with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), which Ankara considers a terrorist organization. “If they disarm, then a meeting could be possible,” he added.

In recent days, several Western media outlets reported that US-mediated talks had taken place between Türkiye and the SDF. These reports claimed the discussions centered on reducing tensions, dissolving the SDF, and implementing a March agreement with the Syrian government that would see SDF fighters integrated into a new Syrian army and hand over ISIS-linked detainees and camps to Damascus.

While some reports hinted at a potential meeting between Abdi and either Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan or intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Fidan denied such plans. He confirmed that Türkiye is working with both Washington and Damascus to implement the SDF’s military integration.

Celik also acknowledged an agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government that would see the SDF hand over territory to state control. He stated that all PKK elements, especially those from the YPG (the SDF’s leading faction), must leave the country.

Referring to a May 12 PKK statement titled “Dissolution of the PKK and Disarmament,” Celik stressed that Erdogan had made it clear that all PKK-affiliated structures, including the SDF, must be dismantled and disarmed.

“This is not about opposing Kurdish rights,” Celik concluded. “President Erdogan told Assad years ago: Give Kurds their rights like any other citizens. But we will never allow a terrorist state on our southern border.”