عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Warnings Rise of Qatari, Turkish Attempts to Sabotage Libya Ceasefire

A member of security forces loyal to Libya's GNA holds a weapon during a security deployment in Tarhuna, Libya on June 11, 2020. (Reuters)
A member of security forces loyal to Libya's GNA holds a weapon during a security deployment in Tarhuna, Libya on June 11, 2020. (Reuters)
    Cairo, London – Khaled Mahmoud and Asharq Al-Awsat
TT
TT

Warnings Rise of Qatari, Turkish Attempts to Sabotage Libya Ceasefire

A member of security forces loyal to Libya's GNA holds a weapon during a security deployment in Tarhuna, Libya on June 11, 2020. (Reuters)
A member of security forces loyal to Libya's GNA holds a weapon during a security deployment in Tarhuna, Libya on June 11, 2020. (Reuters)

The Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar, announced on Monday its rejection of a security deal the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) had suddenly struck with Qatar.

In a statement, LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari slammed Qatar, “one of the world’s greatest sponsors of terrorism, for using its agents in Libya today to sign a so-called security agreement.”

He slammed the deal as a violation of the Geneva dialogue and a “suspicious” attempt to undermine the ceasefire agreement that was brokered by the United Nations last week.

The ceasefire, he added, is aimed at ending the escalation on the ground and “destructive” foreign meddling in Libyan affairs.

The LNA statement underlined concerns over Qatar and Turkey – the GNA’s main backers - seeking to obstruct the ceasefire.

The GNA Interior Ministry announced on Monday the signing of a security agreement with Qatar on combating terrorism, drug smuggling and money laundering.

The deal was unveiled during a surprise visit by Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha and Foreign Minister Mohammed Siala to Doha where they met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Meanwhile, the High Council of State, which is affiliated with the GNA, announced its rejection of the ceasefire, saying it was “struck between a legitimate authority and a rebel force,” a reference to the LNA.

“The ceasefire is in no way whatsoever a recognition of the legitimacy of the aggressor,” it continued.

GNA Defense Minister Salah al-Namroush, meanwhile, stressed the need to bolster joint cooperation with the “Turkish ally” and the continuation of the joint training programs at his ministry.

He said on Sunday that the ceasefire does not address and “has nothing to do” with the GNA’s military cooperation with Ankara.

The security and military training should be the focus, now more than ever, especially if the ceasefire is respected and peace is restored in the country, he remarked.

He added that the Defense Ministry was committed to the truce, accusing Haftar of continuing to amass his forces, fortify his positions and bring in mercenaries.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Geagea Calls on Hezbollah to Work with Lebanese Army

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. (Lebanese Forces)
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. (Lebanese Forces)
TT
TT

Geagea Calls on Hezbollah to Work with Lebanese Army

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. (Lebanese Forces)
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. (Lebanese Forces)

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea urged on Friday Hezbollah to engage with the Lebanese army and devise a plan to dismantle its military infrastructure south and north of the Litani river.

In a press conference Friday, Geagea criticized Hezbollah for opening a front with Israel and accused the Shiite group of committing a “major crime” against the Lebanese people.

“We could have done without the martyrdom of more than 4,000 people, the displacement of thousands and the destruction across the country,” he said. “Despite all these tragedies, Hezbollah continues to talk about a victory using a bizarre and disconnected logic that has no basis in reality.”

Geagea’s comments came two days after a US-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel went into effect. More than 3,900 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel's conflict with Hezbollah escalated.

Geagea, whose Lebanese Forces Party holds the largest bloc in Lebanon’s 128-member parliament, also addressed Lebanon’s presidential deadlock. The country has been without a president for more than two years.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has scheduled a session for presidential elections in January. "Consultations with opposition factions and our allies will begin in the coming days to explore the possibility of agreeing on presidential candidates and bringing them to parliament,” Geagea said.