Turkey on Wednesday dismissed Egypt’s proposal for a cease-fire in Libya, saying the plan aimed to save Khalifa Haftar after the collapse of his offensive to control the capital Tripoli, EDNews.net reports citing Hurriyet newspaper.
Turkey supports Fayez Al-Serraj’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), whose forces have in recent weeks repelled a 14-month assault on Tripoli by Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA), backed by the UAE, Egypt and Russia.
Egypt called for a cease-fire starting on Monday, as part of an initiative that also proposed an elected leadership council for Libya.
Russia and the UAE welcomed the plan, while Germany said UN-backed talks were key to the peace process.
However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu dismissed the proposal as an attempt to save Haftar following the losses he suffered on the battlefield.
“The cease-fire effort in Cairo was stillborn. If a cease-fire is to be signed, it should be done at a platform that brings everyone together,” Cavusoglu told Hurriyet. “The cease-fire call to save Haftar does not seem sincere or believable to us.”
Cavusoglu said Turkey will continue talks with all parties for a solution in Libya, but that such a solution would require the agreement of both sides.