International and local circles are awaiting the response of Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar to the ceasefire announced by Head of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and Speaker of the east-based Libyan parliament Aguila Saleh.
Sources close to the matter told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Haftar is expected to soon announce a conditional approval.
Haftar, however, wonders about the fate of military agreements signed between Turkey and the GNA, in addition to the fate of ‘several thousands of mercenaries’ recruited by Ankara in the past months, the sources added.
They further revealed that secret talks were held between Saleh and Sarraj before their statements on committing to the truce and proposals to handle the oil issue and the placement of Sirte under US-UN protection.
The sources, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the US side presented guarantees on Turkish withdrawal from the country.
Saleh on Friday hailed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s “brave” stance after a comprehensive ceasefire was announced by conflicting parties in Libya. Saleh praised Sisi’s efforts that he said aimed at achieving stability in Libya.
Chairman of the National Defense and Security Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives Talal al-Mayhoub considered that any peace talks would go in vain before dissolving the militias and the withdrawal of Turks and their affiliated mercenaries.
For its part, Libya's State Supreme Council reiterated unwillingness to hold talks with Haftar and demanded that Skheirat Agreement be the reference to any upcoming political dialogue.
Permanent Rep. of Libya to the UN Taher EL-Sonni wondered in a tweet if the party that waged the war, supported, and blessed it then got defeated would respect the ceasefire. Sonni stressed that any maneuvers or new threats would not be tolerated.
NA Spokesman Col.Mohammed Qanounou addressed the government’s supporters as he affirmed that the GNA intends to hand over Libyan territories, stressing that the Libyan state has the sole right to utilize resources, manage wealth, and export oil.
