President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met today with Field Marshal Khalifa Hafter, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, where he discussed the developments occurring in Libya and Egypt’s keenness on the unity, stability and security of Libya, presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady said.
Spokesman for the Presidency said that during the meeting, President Sisi affirmed Egypt’s support for the efforts to combat terrorism and extremist groups and militias to achieve security and stability for the Libyan citizens in all Libyan lands.
The United Nations, on the other hand, rejects Haftar’s offensive, as it was opting for peace negotiations between Haftar and the UN recognized government (Government of National Accord).
“Our position will not change,” U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame tweeted. “You’ve learned and tasted war. No matter how obstinate one becomes, there is no solution except a political one.”
Haftar’s campaign began on April 4, when he called on his forces to advance on Tripoli and take control of the capital.
One of his main aims since the start of the civil war is to completely dismantle the Libyan branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as what he considers to be any other Islamist terrorist organizations within Libya.
Egypt’s position regarding Haftar’s offensive is yet not clear, as it also publicly supports UN-led peace efforts in Libya.
The fighting has killed 121 and wounded another 561, while 13,600 people have fled their homes, according to the UN.
The invasion is also disrupting oil supplies in Libya, as Haftar managed to take control of most of the country’s oil fields.
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