Libyan parliament invites 'direct intervention' by Egyptian Armed Forces

CAIRO – 14 July 2020: The elected Libyan House of Representatives invited Monday the Egyptian Armed Forces to directly intervene in the country whenever there is a threat to the national security of both states, emphasizing the ongoing Turkish aggression and exquisiteness.

The following is the statement issued:

<b> "In light of what our country is going through embodied in a blatant Turkish intervention and violation of Libya's sovereignty under the blessing of the armed militias taking over the west of the country and imposing a status quo authority;

for that the Arab Republic of Egypt represents the strategic depth of Libya on all levels - security, economic, and social – throughout history;

and, given the risks ensued from the Turkish occupation compose a direct threat to our country and neighboring states – primarily Egypt – and that will not come to a halt unless Arab efforts are concerted,

The Libyan House of Representatives – the only legitimate representative of the Libyan people and its free will – affirms its consent to what was mentioned in the speech of his Excellency  President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi in the attendance of the representatives of Libyan tribes. We call for concerted efforts between Libya and Egypt with the aim of deterring the occupying invaders, preserving our mutual national security, and achieving security and stability in our country and the region.

The Egyptian Armed Forces are allowed to intervene to defend the Libyan and Egyptian national security, in case they perceive an imminent threat to our countries.

Repelling invaders guarantees the independence of the Libyan national decision-making, maintains Libya's unity and territorial integrity, protects the wealth of the Libyan people from the avarice of the occupying invaders, and gives the upper hand to the Libyan people on a free will and high interest basis.  

The Libyan House of Representatives affirms that the fair distribution of wealth and oil revenues as well as the conservation of resources from outlaw armed militias are legitimate demands of the Libyan people." </b> 

Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu said in press statements Monday that a ceasefire will not be in the interest of the Government of National Accord (GNA) at present adding that it should first take over Sirte and Al Jufrah airbase.

The GNA is an interim non-elected government that is recognized by the United Nations.

On June 20, Egypt's President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi declared Sirte and Al Jufrah a red line, that if crossed, a direct intervention by Egypt will be internationally legitimate. That is because it will be requested by the elected House of Representatives and the Libyan tribes, and aligned with the UN Security Council resolutions and Berlin Conference calling for a political solution, and banning arms transfer into Libya.

Spokesperson of the LNA Ahmed al-Mesmary stated in a phone-in Sunday that Turkey has transported into Libya 17,000 Syrian mercenaries as well as heavy arms and armored vehicles. In addition, it deployed marine vessels on coasts western Libya.

Mesmary said that the GNA is marginalized, and that western Libya is controlled by the local branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in coordination with the Turkish branch.

The LNA spokesperson accused the GNA of treason describing its members as "agents," and saying they work against the interests of Libya. The spokesperson underlined that the LNA fights for peace in Libya while Turkey aims for blackmailing Europe through controlling illegal migration from the North African state.