Geneva talks open door for ending Turkish interference in Libya

Mustafa Kamel

Peace has become very possible in Libya, thanks to efforts to bring Libyan rivals together by Arab and western states.

The Geneva conference on Libya aimed primarily to curb foreign interference in the country.

The conference was organized following consultations by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.

Libyan rivals agreed to a full ceasefire, despite persistent interference by Turkey and its continual military support to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and the militias allied to it. Ankara does this in order to sabotage peace efforts in Libya.

Peace agreement

The ceasefire agreement signed in Geneva on Oct. 23 fulfils the aspirations of Libyans. However, the agreement faces difficulty materializing on the ground, especially with foreign interference in Libya and the presence of many militias in it.

The agreement makes it necessary for all foreign mercenaries to get out of Libya in a matter of three months. This alone can speed up peace efforts in the country.

The agreement can also put an end to interference in Libyan affairs by Turkey, the main backers of foreign mercenaries in Libya.

Turkey signed agreements with the GNA with the aim of controlling Libya’s resources.

Nevertheless, Turkey will not likely suspend its interference in Libya easily. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cast doubts on the agreement, considering it lacking credibility.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres considered the agreement an important move on the road to peace and stability in Libya.

Former United Nations envoy to Libya Ghassan Salamé expressed hopes that the agreement would contribute to the achievement of peace in the North African state.