US throws its support behind Haftar
Libya in shock and accuses France of backing Tripoli assault by warlord
NEW YORK: The White House revealed that President Donald Trump reached out personally to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar, as a push at the United Nations to broker a ceasefire hit trouble.
Observers see Trump’s words of praise for the strongman, at the expense of internationally-recognised leader Fayez al-Sarraj, as evidence of US support that explains Haftar’s determination to pursue his offensive to seize Tripoli.
Trump and Haftar spoke “to discuss ongoing counterterrorism efforts and the need to achieve peace and stability in Libya,” according to the White House.
A statement said that Trump “recognised Field Marshal Haftar’s significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya’s oil resources,” adding that “the two discussed a shared vision for Libya’s transition to a stable, democratic political system.”
Haftar, seen by his allies Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as a bulwark against militants, has declared he wants to seize the capital, now controlled by a UN-recognised government and an array of militias.
The military commander backs a rival administration based in eastern Libya that is refusing to recognise the Tripoli government’s authority.
On Thursday, Russia and the United States opposed a British bid backed by France and Germany at the UN Security Council to demand a ceasefire in Libya.
Russia insisted on having no criticism of Haftar in the proposed resolution, while the US said it wanted more time to consider the situation.
And news of Trump’s phone call “clarifies” the US position, noted a diplomat, after Britain fought in vain for five days to try to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unconditional humanitarian access to the combat zones.
In terms of international backing, Haftar enjoys the support of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and – now, clearly – the United States.
In another development, hundreds of “yellow vest” protesters demonstrated in Tripoli yesterday against the offensive by Haftar on the Libyan capital and also accused France of backing him.
Wearing the trademark yellow vests of French anti-government demonstrators, they were among thousands of Libyans who flooded a central Tripoli square to rally in support of the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).
“We are surprised by France’s conduct in the face of the attack,” read a sign held up by the demonstrators.
Portraits of French President Macron and the leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia were also carried by demonstrators or placed on the ground for people to trample them.