Tripoli liberation draws mixed world reactions

Ayah Abdel Aziz

The military advancement of Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Marshal Khalifa Haftar towards Tripoli has drawn mixed international reactions. LNA forces have been carrying out a multi-pronged attack from the south and west of Tripoli to defeat terrorist groups, which have seized the city Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.

LNA troops seized the south of Libya and its oil fields, charted southern borders with the Libyan tribes. Marshal Haftar unified the Libyan army under his leadership and seized the city of Sabha.

UN-backed government, Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, considered LNA’s advancement towards Tripoli an attempt to destabilize Libya. However, the international reactions to the LNA’s military campaign were mixed.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his support for the peaceful settlement of the current situation in Libya to bring about peace.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has called for putting an end to escalation from all parties in Libya.

The United States showed ambivalent reactions. In the beginning of LNA’s military operations, the US administration voiced concern about the escalation. However, US President Donald Trump called Marshal Haftar backing him for combating terrorists and securing oilfields in Libya.

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini has called all parties to immediately cease all military operations and backed the efforts of UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salamé.

Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called on both sides of the conflict to show restraint and to take urgent de-escalation measures.

We conclude that there is a European rejection of LNA’s military operation to liberate Tripoli.

The international powers are seeking to play a role in the future negotiations to benefit from the Libyan natural resources. Italy and France are seeking to play a greater role in the Libyan crisis. Italy deems Libya as an area of influence due to historical tie. It sees no settlement can be reached without Rome’s influence.

Meanwhile, France is seeking to become a player in the Middle by strengthening its role. It aims at securing its oil resources in the region.