Libya could turn into a second Syria if a political solution to the conflict in that country is not found as soon as possible, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.
“We will also talk about Libya. If we do not find a political solution for Libya as soon as possible, it will become a second Syria. This cannot be allowed”, – he said before an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers of the EU countries in Brussels.
“Therefore, we have launched the Berlin process, in which we, first of all, with those countries that have influence in Libya, support one side or another of the conflict, are conducting a dialogue, calling for a truce and an embargo on arms imports”, – added the minister.
Earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan agreed on a common position on Libya and called on all sides to cease fire from 00.00 on Sunday, January 12, and immediately sit down at the negotiating table. On Thursday, the Tripoli Government of National Reconciliation of Libya said it highly appreciates and welcomes the efforts of Russia and Turkey to find a solution to the conflict in the country. The Libyan National Army (LNA) of Khalifa Haftar also welcomed the initiative of Russia and Turkey for a truce in Libya, but said it would continue its fight against terrorists.
The government in Tripoli had previously requested military assistance from Turkey against the backdrop of Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s attack on the Libyan capital. It was reported that this was “air, land and sea” military support to counter the offensive. On 2 January, the Turkish Parliament by a majority vote allowed the Turkish military to be sent to Libya. Most Arab countries are categorically against Turkey’s possible military intervention in the Libyan conflict.
After the overthrow and assassination of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya actually ceased to function as one State. There is now a dual power that prevails in the country. In the east, the parliament elected by the people sits, while in the west, in the capital, Tripoli, the Government of National Accord Fayez Sarraj, formed with the support of the UN and the European Union, rules. The authorities in the eastern part of the country operate independently of Tripoli and cooperate with the Libyan National Army Haftar.