Turkey launched new efforts to protect the Libyan camp it supports, especially after the head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj announced his intentions to resign.
The efforts follow a controversial deal arranged between Sarraj’s deputy, Ahmed Maiteeq, and the Libyan National Army (LNA) on the resumption of oil production.
Sarraj kickstarted a surprise visit to Turkey on Monday. GNA-linked sources revealed that Ankara gave Maiteeq a similar invitation within the framework of consolidating the GNA camp against Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the LNA’s commander in chief.
The head of the GNA’s High Council of State, Khaled Al-Mishri, also visited Turkey and met with the Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
According to a statement by the ministry, Akar told Mishri that Turkey will continue to stand by the GNA as officials exchanged views regarding the latest developments in the war-ravaged North African nation.
The meetings come a few days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying that Turkey was upset by Sarraj's announcement that he planned to quit by the end of October.
Nevertheless, Erdogan said that his country will continue to support the GNA, despite the announcement by Sarraj.
Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin added in a statement to the Turkish Demiroren News Agency that support for the GNA, along with the signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both parties is set to continue both in its maritime and security sectors.
He went on to explain that these agreements, will not be affected at this uncertain political period, as they were initiated between two governments, not through any single individual, adding that Turkish officials are due to travel to Tripoli within the coming days to discuss developments following Sarraj's announcement.
GNA Presidential Council (PC) member Mohamed Amari, for his part, voiced his rejection of the agreement between the Maiteeq and Haftar, saying that it is unlawful and cannot be ratified.
GNA Minister of Defense Salah Eddin al-Namroush also rejected the resumption of oil exports. He said the crimes committed in Libya would not be forgotten.
Namroush vowed in a statement published on the site of the GNA Ministry of Defense to lodge a complaint at the UN against the perpetrators of those crimes.
