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  Libya conflict

  8 Debates

French President Emmanuel Macron has made serious accusations against Nato partner Turkey regarding its role in the conflict in Libya. Those who "massively import" jihadist fighters from Syria back into the country were disregarding the decisions of the Berlin Libya Conference, he said. Over the last few weeks Ankara has been providing support for the troops of the UN-recognised unity government in Tripoli. Where is this dispute heading?

The US has accused Russia of having sent fighter jets to support mercenary troops backing General Haftar in the Libyan civil war. It claims recent pictures of an air base prove that the Russian planes are in the country. Moscow has refuted the allegations as false news. Commentators point out that not only Russia is meddling in this war.

The Interior Minister of the Libyan government, Fathi Bashaga, who was appointed under UN mediation, has criticised the EU's Operation Irini, which is aimed at enforcing the arms embargo against Libya. He argued in an interview that while deliveries to Tripoli are being prevented on a regular basis, weapons could continue to reach General Haftar's troops via the country's eastern borders. Commentators discuss the nature of the conflict.

Representatives of the conflicting parties, the US, Russia and Turkey are to meet in Berlin on Sunday to discuss a solution to the Libya crisis after the signing of a ceasefire agreement prepared by Moscow and Ankara failed on Monday. Europe's press is divided over the likelihood of a breakthrough.

The Turkish parliament has brought forward the decision on whether to launch a military offensive in Libya to today, Thursday. Erdoğan says the goal of the mission is to aid the Sarraj government, which is recognised by the UN. The step puts him at loggerheads with Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which support General Haftar and whose troops are marching on Tripoli. What does the escalation portend?

An armed international conflict is brewing in Libya after General Haftar, who controls the east of the country, announced the launch of a final assault on Tripoli. Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, who is recognised by the UN as the country's leader, is based there. Turkish President Erdoğan has pledged to send ground troops to support the prime minister if necessary.

Rival militias have been engaged in heavy fighting around Tripoli for more than a week. The internationally recognised national unity government under Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj has declared a state of emergency but has been unable to stop the hostilities. Commentators argue that France and Italy share some of the responsibility for the escalation.

The militia forces led by General Khalifa Haftar, which control large swathes of Libya, are now advancing on the capital Tripoli, where the internationally recognised government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is based. A UN Security Council resolution calling for a halt to the attacks was blocked by Russia. What repercussions could the developments in Libya have?