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2019.12.31 01:50 GMT+8

France, Egypt urge 'restraint' to avoid escalation of Libyan conflict

Updated 2019.12.31 01:50 GMT+8
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French President Emmanuel Macron./ Reuters images

France and Egypt have called for the "greatest restraint" by Libyan and international authorities to avoid an escalation of the conflict that has rocked the country for months, a statement from President Emmanuel Macron's office said on Monday.

The French leader held talks with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and both agreed that the warring factions in Libya need to negotiate a political solution.

The statement comes after Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his administration was ready to deploy troops into Libya if requested by the country's United Nations-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).

This has however been condemned by Libya's parliament speaker who said that the move would only stoke more tension in the North African country.

Libya has been dogged by war since December 2011, and the situation heightened earlier this year when self-styled Libyan National Army chief Gen. Khalifa Hafter pledged to take over Tripoli from the U.N.-backed government led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj.

Hafter announced in early December a final push to take Tripoli from Sarraj's government, unleashing heavy clashes on the southern edges of the city.

Since 2011, the Libyan war has killed thousands and displaced millions as militant groups and human trafficking cells sought to impose their command in various regions across the country.

Mediation teams hope the warring factions can strike a deal to restore lasting peace in the country.

Source(s): AFP
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