Turkey very discreet after the announcement of a ceasefire in Libya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, December 3, 2019 Daniel Leal-Olivas / Pool via REUTERS

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Rival authorities in Libya separately announced on August 21 the cessation of hostilities and the forthcoming organization of elections in the country ravaged by years of conflict. An initiative hailed by the UN, the EU and several Arab and Western countries. One country, however, stood out for its lack of reaction: Turkey, backing the government of Tripoli in its war against the forces of Marshal Khalifa Haftar.

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With our correspondent in Istanbul, Anne Andlauer

The discretion of the Turkish authorities after the announcement of the ceasefire in Libya is even more surprising given that Ankara is involved in the conflict as the main political and military support of the Government of National Unity based in Tripoli (GNA) .

In his statement ordering the end of the fighting, GNA leader Fayez al-Sarraj made several demands, including the creation of demilitarized zones in Sirte and Joufra, currently under the control of Khalifa Haftar's forces. Their withdrawal from these regions is indeed seen in Ankara as the sine qua non of a lasting ceasefire.

► See also: Libya: announcement of a ceasefire between the two rival authorities

The failure of previous agreements between the two parties no doubt prompts Turkey to support this new announcement with caution. GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha said, however, that this ceasefire would never have been possible without Turkey's support. He also praised the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

In Turkey, some observers are also calling for caution in the face of an agreement they suspect to have been piloted by Washington. They are particularly concerned about its consequences for Turkey's interests in the eastern Mediterranean, where Ankara is availing itself of a maritime agreement with Tripoli to conduct hydrocarbon research.

► See also: Egypt welcomes the ceasefire in Libya between the two rival authorities

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  • Turkey
  • Libya
  • Diplomacy
  • Recep Tayyip Erdogan
  • Defense

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