22 April 2019

EU divided over response to Haftar’s offensive on Tripoli; US statement in support of Haftar

On 10 April, France blocked an EU statement addressing all Libyan factions to cease fire and return to negotiations. The US released a statement recognizing “Haftar’s significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya’s oil resources” after US President Donald Trump and Haftar were in contact to discuss the situation. The UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have also been accused of being complicit of providing material and direct military aid to Haftar’s military forces. The Arab League envoy to Libya, Salah Eddine Jamali condemned foreign nations’ interference in the country, which he says are escalating violence and urged rivals to “return to the negotiating table”, reads Middle East Monitor. President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, has called for more unity at the European level and the need “to speak with only one voice”.

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