Libyan Parl’t slaps Erdogan, Sarraj after votes against Turkey interference

Amira Al-Sherif

Libya’s House of Representatives on Saturday voted to refer the head the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj, and his foreign minister to the prosecution over accusation of “high treason.”

The parliament refused to ratify the two agreements signed by Turkey and the GNA to establish new maritime borders between the two countries and increase security cooperation.

The parliament also voted to cut relations with Turkey and shut down the embassies in the two countries.

Earlier, the parliament called for an urgent session to address the consequences of “Turkish blatant interference into Libyan affairs.”

According to the official spokesperson for the Libyan Parliament Abdullah Belihaq, the parliament demanded the UNSC to unrecognized Sarraj’s government. He also called for an Arab stand against the Turkish aggression and spread within the region.

The parliament further agreed to address international organizations such as the League of Arab States, the African Union, the European Union and other international organizations to withdraw the recognition of the GNA.

On Thursday, Turkey’s parliament has approved by a large majority a bill that allows troops to be deployed to Libya in support of the Tripoli-based government.

A total of 509 lawmakers attended the ballot in the 600 seats parliament, with 325 lawmakers voting in favor of the motion, while 184 lawmakers rejecting it.

Several countries, especially those that share borders with Libya, warned that a Turkish military intervention in Libya would exacerbate the conflict in the country and further destabilize the region’s security.

Turkey uses the Muslim Brotherhood as a play card to achieve its expansionist ambitions; widely reported facts indicate that the Turkish project took Libya as a new stage to implement its own agendas.

Observers believe that Turkey is proceeding with its plans to support the Tripoli militias and fuel the conflict and divisions in the country, a scenario similar to what has been happening in Syria for years, as Ankara has converted the Syrian Army into its own proxy in the region.

Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar has called on all Libyans to take up arms in response to the prospective military intervention from Turkey.

He called for renouncing differences among all Libyans and urged them to take up arms – men and women -civilians and military fighters – to defend.

Erdogan’s devious intentions became more clear after suggesting what he called a “safe-zone”, which was deemed by observers as plan to dominate and hold control over northern Syria.

A UN report said earlier that Turkey has already dispatched military aid to Al-Wefaq government despite an embargo.

The national army of Libya, led by Brigadier General Haftar, is fighting a decisive battle to liberate Tripoli from the grip of armed militias and terrorist groups, which Turkey supports.