Italy, France object to military solution in Libya, say crisis shall be politically solved

CAIRO – 10 July 2020: Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini and his French counterpart, Florence Parly discussed the current situation in Libya and affirmed that Libyan crisis can only be resolved via political solution, Agenzia Nova reported on Friday.

This comes as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has called for a ceasefire in the war-torn country and then announced that any direct intervention by Egypt in Libya has become legitimate in line with UNSC resolutions and upon the call of the legitimate authority in Libya.

Parly and Guerini have excluded the military solution to the crisis, during their meeting, and affirmed full joint commitment to combat violations of the arms embargo in Libya.

In June, General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar said "we will not concede the departure of the Turkish invaders and their mercenaries from Libya."

Haftar added that Turkish aggression threatened the unity of Libya and the stability of the region, explaining that Turkey and terrorism threaten the Libyan sovereignty.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Haftar paid tribute to Arab countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, for their categorical rejection of Turkey’s intervention.

He added that “Our war against Turkey will not stop until we liberate all of Libya”.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has earlier highlighted the importance of applying unconditional ceasefire, stopping military and hostile movements in the country, and reaching a Libyan solution.

Read about Egypt’s initiative to resolve the Libyan crisis and announce ceasefire:

Also in June, Sisi checked on the forces in the Western Military Zone, telling them, "The Egyptian Army is one of the strongest in the region. Yet, it is a wise army that protects but doesn't threaten, and is able to defend the national security of Egypt within and beyond its borders."

The president said that the Air Force, the Special Forces, and the Border Guards have been securing 1,200 kilometers of borders with Libya for seven years, and accomplishing missions that have not been disclosed.

"I'm so happy to meet you today. I got assured about the high status of your combat and technical competence. I see the Air Force and Special Forces are ready to accomplish missions," the president told forces.

"Be ready to accomplish any mission whether here within our borders or - if needed – beyond our borders," president Sisi addressed the Air Force elements in the Western Military Zone.