The United States needs to play a more active role in Libya, both in achieving a ceasefire and in political talks, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.
The involvement of the United States in Libya, a NATO ally, was important to protect the alliance’s interests, Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster NTV.
Turkish and US officials would discuss possible steps on Libya, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart Donald Trump agreed during a call on Monday, he added.
“Only a lasting ceasefire under UN auspices would be acceptable,” he stressed, dismissing a ceasefire proposal by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Trump also discussed Libya with Sisi on Wednesday, including means to resume UN ceasefire talks and the departure of all foreign forces from the country.
Turkey supports Fayez al Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA), which is involved in ongoing clashes with Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA).
Haftar will “certainly disappear” if he loses support, Turkey's Defense Minister said on Wednesday, justifying his country’s military presence in Libya as due to an “invitation received from the GNA.”
As Turkey stands against Haftar, it is aiding the Libyan government with military training, cooperation and advisors, Hulusi Akar noted.
He said in a television interview that Turkey is making double efforts to bring peace throughout Libya.
Regarding Russia, Akar said Moscow has refuted reports on its forces’ presence in Libya, saying Ankara holds dialogues with it on the war-torn country.
Turkish-Russian dialogue on Libya will reflect positively on the country’s future, he said, affirming that bilateral talks are taking place at all levels.
