Libya’s UN-backed government rejects strongman Haftar’s unilateral ceasefire

Libya’s UN-recognised government on Thursday rejected a truce unilaterally called the day before by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, saying it “did not trust” its eastern-based rival.
The move follows successes on the ground for forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) against Haftar’s troops in recent weeks, just over a year since he launched an offensive on the capital.

The GNA said in a statement that it did not trust Haftar, who controls the east and swathes of southern Libya, accusing him of violating previous truces.

“These violations make it so we do not trust truce announcements (from Haftar),” the GNA said.

Any “ceasefire needs to have international safeguards and mechanisms” to monitor its implementation and to document violations, it added.

Haftar’s camp had said on Wednesday it would cease hostilities during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in response to international calls for a truce.

Last week, the UN, EU and several countries called for both sides to lay down their arms during the holy month.
Haftar’s truce announcement came after his forces suffered a series of setbacks in recent weeks, with GNA forces ousting them from two key coastal cities west of Tripoli.

Backed by Turkey, GNA troops are now encircling Haftar’s main rear base at Tarhunah, 60 kilometres (39 miles) southeast of the capital.
( AFP)