By RFPosted on 20-04-2019Modified on 20-04-2019 at 06:36

The United States decides to support Marshal Khalifa Haftar in full offensive against Tripoli. On Friday, April 19, the White House announced that Donald Trump spoke by phone Monday with the strongman of eastern Libya. A reversal of the American position that marginalizes the rival of Haftar, Fayez al-Sarraj, the only authority recognized by the UN.

with our correspondent in San Francisco, Eric de Salve

This is a statement from the White House released this Friday that announces the dramatic turnaround of Donald Trump in the Libyan crisis. The text announces that the American president spoke earlier this week by telephone with Marshal Haftar. Washington praises its "significant role in the fight against terrorism and securing oil resources in Libya" evoking a "common vision" for the country.

More than two weeks after the launch of the offensive on Tripoli, the US administration decided to clearly support the one who fights with weapons Fayez al-Sarraj, yet the only authority recognized as legitimate by the United Nations in Libya. On Monday, the United States opposed besides Russia to a cease-fire resolution submitted to the Security Council by Britain.

And yet, a few days after the start of Haftar's bloody offensive on the Libyan capital, the US Secretary of State called for "the immediate cessation of these military operations." "We oppose the offensive," said Mike Pompeo. According to the White House, it is the opposite message that issued Donald Trump to Marshal Haftar on Monday by telephone, now supporting his military offensive for the total control of Libya. Ofensive yet called "coup d'etat" by the UN.

    On the same subject

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    Libya: why does the GNA accuse France of supporting General Haftar?

    Libya: accused by Tripoli of supporting Khalifa Haftar, France denies

    Libya: more than 200 dead since the start of Khalifa Haftar's offensive

    Libya: civilians caught in clashes in Tripoli

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