Johnson joins calls for end to Libya war

PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the margins of a summit in Berlin as world leaders gathered to address the civil war in Libya.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister stressed the need to bring an end to the fighting and for all parties to support peace talks to determine a way forward for the Libyan people.”

The leaders also confirmed their support for the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

A Downing Street spokesman said: “On Iran, the leaders reiterated their commitment to the JCPOA and also acknowledged the need to define a long-term framework to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“They agreed on the importance of de-escalation and of working with international partners to find a diplomatic way through the current tensions.”

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the international community to stand against the “merchants of blood and chaos”, as he headed at the Berlin summit.

Mr Erdogan supports the UNbacked administration in Tripoli led by Fayez Sarraj and sent troops to Libya earlier this month to help them in their battle with eastern-based forces led by General Khalifa Hifter.

Speaking at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, Mr Erdogan said the world had failed to respond adequately to Gen Hifter’s “reckless attacks”.

Mr Erdoganx added: “Hopes that flourish again with the ceasefire and the Berlin summit should not be sacrificed to the ambitions of the merchants of blood and chaos.”

A truce sponsored by Turkey and Russia was imposed a week ago but sporadic fighting has continued.

Germany is bringing together key players in Libya’s long-running conflict in a bid to solidify the ceasefire and help relaunch a political process.