At the request of Egypt, the Arab League held a videoconference meeting on Tuesday (June 23rd) on the conflict in Libya between the forces of the government of national unity (GNA), recognized by the UN and based in Tripoli, to the troops of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the strong man of the east of the country. The meeting was attended by representatives of 21 Arab countries, including the GNA, which had initially refused Egypt's invitation.

In a statement, the Arab League "rejects all illegitimate foreign intervention" in Libya and demands "the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory of Libya and its territorial waters". The organization also calls for the opening of talks.

Reservations

The representative of the GNA, Saleh al-Shemakhy, however expressed reservations on this call of the Arab League, declaring that the foreign forces which support the GNA contributed to repel the "aggression" of the forces of the marshal Haftar.

After several months of an offensive aimed at taking Tripoli, the forces of Marshal Haftar suffered setbacks against the GNA, supported by drones and Turkish military advisers. GNA forces are now targeting the coastal city of Sirte, located 450 kilometers east of Tripoli and a strategic lock towards the fiefdom of Marshal Haftar.

Egypt warned on Saturday that any advance by the pro-GNA towards Sirte could involve a "direct" intervention from Cairo. The GNA denounced Egypt's threats as a "declaration of war".

With AFP

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