Russian President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan are calling for a ceasefire in Libya. This is remarkable because Turkey supports Prime Minister Sarraj’s Tripoli government and Russia supports General Haftar, who controls almost the rest of the country.
Putin and Erdogan spoke in Istanbul today. “This conflict undermines security in the region,” they said in a statement. “It encourages illegal immigration and the proliferation of weapons, terrorism and other criminal activities.”
They call on the warring parties to agree on a “sustainable” file. The cease-fire should start on Sunday at midnight.
Turkish soldiers
The fight in Libya entered a new phase this week. Turkey said Sunday that Turkish soldiers are on their way to Libya to help Prime Minister Sarraj’s army. It is unclear how many soldiers are involved and whether they are already there.
On Monday, Haftar’s troops took hold of the important city of Sirte, allowing him to focus even more on the months-long struggle for Tripoli.
EU also wants to file
Sarraj is in Brussels today for consultations with the President of the European Council Michel, the German Minister for Foreign Affairs Meuse and EU foreign chief Borrell. The EU also wants Sarraj and Haftar to observe a ceasefire and resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels.
“Libya should not become a second Syria and an effective file must be closed quickly and an arms embargo should also come into effect,” said Maas. He wants to hold a summit on Libya in Berlin within a few weeks.
What does not make the situation easier is that many countries are involved in the struggle. Sarraj knows itself apart from Turkey supported by Qatar and Italy.
In addition to Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and France support General Haftar.
An explanation of the situation in Libya at the end of last week:
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