UN-backed Libya gov’t asks Italy to pressure EU not to support Haftar

Head of Libya’s internationally recognised government Fayez Al-Sarraj yesterday asked Italy to help change the positions of EU countries regarding attacks being carried out against Tripoli by renegade General Khalifa Haftar, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Al-Sarraj made his request during a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held in Rome. Both leaders discussed possible cooperation to contain the security and economic repercussions of Haftar’s attacks.

The Libyan official hailed the Italian position, which was clear in condemning the aggression on Tripoli, adding that his government “does not doubt Italy’s eagerness to regain stability to Libya”.

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However, he asked the Italian “friends” to exert efforts to make a “positive change” in the position of other EU countries in order to accelerate stopping the attacks and push the “aggressive” forces back to their bases.

Al-Sarraj has previously accused France of offering logistic assistance to Haftar, claims Paris denies.

For his part, Conte renewed the support of his country for Al-Sarraj’s government, stressing that there is “no military solution” to the Libyan crisis.

On 4 April UAE-backed Libyan strongman, General Khalifa Haftar, launched a military offensive against the capital Tripoli.

The UN-backed GNA which governs the city has since been calling on international players to help it respond to the attack.

General Khalifa Haftar taking over Libya – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]