By Janet Ekstract
UNITED NATIONS (TURKISH JOURNAL) – Libya ‘s Ambassador to the Arab League condemned what he terms is the League’s hypocrisy in the Libyan conflict.
Ambassador Saleh Al-Shamaki who spoke at the emergency meeting of the Arab League – said the League has double standards. Al-Shamaki asked one simple question: “Where was the Arab League when we warned of the Russian mercenaries and Sudanese Janjaweed and others recruited by the aggressor forces?”
The reason for the emergency meeting was related to the League’s objection to Turkish involvement in the ongoing Libyan conflict.
On January 2, the Turkish parliament voted in favor of sending military support to Libya ‘s UN-backed Government of National Accord who requested the assistance to counter brutal attacks by warlord Khalifa Haftar who has repeatedly threatened to invade Tripoli.
Meanwhile, on January 4, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Libya.
The secretary-general is calling for a “return to political dialogue by all parties.” The UN said in a statement: “Any foreign support to the warring parties will only deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a peaceful and comprehensive political solution.”
In addition, Greece, Cyprus and Israel along with the League are protesting Turkey providing military support to assist Libya ‘s GNA in protecting its internationally recognized legitimate government. The three nations issued a joint statement labeling Turkish assistance as a ‘dangerous escalation. ‘
But Al-Shamaki.pointed out the obvious: “There is a great deal of talk about rejecting foreign interference, which is a good thing in principle but when going into details, the interventions of countries supporting the aggression against Tripoli are not included.”
The ambassador is referring to Egypt, Russia, the UAE and France who are all providing Haftar with advanced military technology and weaponry while protesting Turkey’s support to defend the legitimate government – the GNA.
Last week, Libyans in Misrata and Tripoli took to the streets in protest of Haftar while waving signs thanking Turkey for its support.
Egypt, who actively supports Haftar, called for an emergency meeting of the Arab League for the express purpose of issuing a resolution to condemn the Libyan-Turkish cooperation and withdraw the legitimacy from the Presidential Council (PC).
Egypt’s move backfired. Instead, the League came out with a tenuous statement confirming the legitimacy of the PC and considering the Skhirat Agreement as the foundation for any solution.
Meanwhile, The Head of Libya ‘s High Council of State (HCS) Khalid Al-Mishri has accused Egypt of leading a coup in his country.
Al-Mishri speaking to. Al-Jazeera on Sunday said that Khalifa Haftar and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Tobruk Aqila Saleh are being assisted by Egypt and the UAE since 2014.
He added that Haftar will have no role in future political settlements and noted that Russia refuses to publicly admit it supports Haftar even though it’s a known fact that Russia ‘s Wagner Group is fighting on Haftar ‘s side. Al-Mishri pointed out that the Russian government still maintains it recognizes the Presidential Council’s government.
Further, Al-Shamaki commented: “The Arab League had completely ignored the matter. Its Secretary-General did not issue any initiatives and did not send an envoy to Libya. He has not conducted even a visit to Libya despite our repeated request. “
On that note, Al-Mishri explained: ” The other party made the Presidential Council’s government to resort to Turkey to confront the sedition led by the UAE.” He added: “No one helped us over the last period until we lost confidence in the international legitimacy.”
https://www.turkishjournal.com/2020/01/03/opposition-after-turkey-approves-military-aid-to-libya/
