Libya to face a 'Catastrophic' financial crisis this year because of a blockade of oil terminals and oil fields by Libyan General Khalifa Haftar.

Libya to face 'Catastrophic' financial crisis this year

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar has agreed to abide by a ceasefire and said he was ready to participate in an international conference in Berlin on Sunday, Germany's foreign minister said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-ready-to-teach-a-lesson-to-haftar-if-libyan-forces-continue-attacks-274241">Also Read:&nbsp;Turkey ready to 'teach a lesson' to Haftar if Libyan forces continue attacks</a>

Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli has been under attack since April from Haftar's forces, with clashes killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displacing tens of thousands.

The leaders of the North African state's warring factions were in Moscow early this week at talks aimed at finalising a ceasefire orchestrated by Russia and Turkey.

"During my visit to Libya today, General Haftar made clear: He wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it. He has agreed to abide by the ongoing ceasefire," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted after talks in Benghazi.

After the Moscow talks, Haftar had walked away without signing the permanent truce, sparking fears about the shaky ceasefire.

Maas had travelled to meet Haftar in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi -- one of the general's strongholds -- in a bid to persuade him to join in the peace initiative.

The trip came days after Maas spoke with Haftar's rival Fayez al-Sarraj, who serves as head of the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.

Separately in Tripoli, Sarraj announced he would attend the Berlin talks held under the auspices of the United Nations.

The battle over Tripoli is the latest unrest to wrack Libya since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Since then, Libya has been caught up in fighting between rival armed factions, including Islamist militants.

In his report to the UN Security Council late on Wednesday, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged all warring parties to stop fighting and "engage constructively towards that end, including within the Berlin process".

He also warned against "external interference", which he said would "deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a clear international commitment to a peaceful resolution of the underlying crisis".

The Berlin conference will aim to agree six points including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of the arms embargo and a return to the political process for peace, Guterres said.

As well as killing hundreds of people, the fighting in Libya has also spurred a growing exodus of migrants, though nearly 1,000 intercepted at sea have been forced to return this year, according to the UN.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar has agreed to abide by a ceasefire and said he was ready to participate in an international conference in Berlin on Sunday, Germany's foreign minister said.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar has agreed to abide by a ceasefire and said he was ready to participate in an international conference in Berlin on Sunday, Germany's foreign minister said. Also Read: Turkey ready to 'teach a lesson' to Haftar if Libyan forces continue attacks Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli has been under attack since April from Haftar's forces, with clashes killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displacing tens of thousands. The leaders of the North African state's warring factions were in Moscow early this week at talks aimed at finalising a ceasefire orchestrated by Russia and Turkey. "During my visit to Libya today, General Haftar made clear: He wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it. He has agreed to abide by the ongoing ceasefire," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted after talks in Benghazi. After the Moscow talks, Haftar had walked away without signing the permanent truce, sparking fears about the shaky ceasefire. Maas had travelled to meet Haftar in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi -- one of the general's strongholds -- in a bid to persuade him to join in the peace initiative. The trip came days after Maas spoke with Haftar's rival Fayez al-Sarraj, who serves as head of the UN-recognised government in Tripoli. Separately in Tripoli, Sarraj announced he would attend the Berlin talks held under the auspices of the United Nations. The battle over Tripoli is the latest unrest to wrack Libya since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Since then, Libya has been caught up in fighting between rival armed factions, including Islamist militants. In his report to the UN Security Council late on Wednesday, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged all warring parties to stop fighting and "engage constructively towards that end, including within the Berlin process". He also warned against "external interference", which he said would "deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a clear international commitment to a peaceful resolution of the underlying crisis". The Berlin conference will aim to agree six points including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of the arms embargo and a return to the political process for peace, Guterres said. As well as killing hundreds of people, the fighting in Libya has also spurred a growing exodus of migrants, though nearly 1,000 intercepted at sea have been forced to return this year, according to the UN.

General Haftar ready to abide by ongoing ceasefire in Libya: Germany

Libya's eastern strongman General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalifa-haftars-forces-shoot-down-tripoli-government-warplane-south-of-capital-216782">Khalifa Haftar</a> has left Moscow without signing a ceasefire agreement to end nine months of fighting in the country, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Tuesday.

Haftar on Monday evening asked for until Tuesday morning to look over the agreement already signed by the head of UN-recognised government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-approves-libya-military-deal-269504">Fayez al-Sarraj</a>, but left the Russian capital without signing, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

The two delegations from Libya on Monday spent seven hours in an attempt to sign a deal outlining the terms of a permanent truce in Libya, following a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend.

Mediated by Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers, the talks did not include the warring sides meeting face to face, but Moscow said there was "progress" and that Haftar viewed the ceasefire document "positively".

Watch video:&nbsp;

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Russian state media citing Libyan sources later said however that his plane departed Russia after a failure to reach a permanent agreement, leaving the fragile truce in uncertainty.

Western powers are keen to stabilise Libya home to Africa's largest proven crude reserves&nbsp;following years of turbulence since a 2011 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-macrons-criticism-of-nato-very-very-nasty-before-summit-266035">NATO</a>-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Libya's eastern strongman General Khalifa Haftar has left Moscow without signing a ceasefire agreement to end nine months of fighting in the country, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Tuesday.

Libya's eastern strongman General Khalifa Haftar has left Moscow without signing a ceasefire agreement to end nine months of fighting in the country, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Tuesday. Haftar on Monday evening asked for until Tuesday morning to look over the agreement already signed by the head of UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj, but left the Russian capital without signing, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. The two delegations from Libya on Monday spent seven hours in an attempt to sign a deal outlining the terms of a permanent truce in Libya, following a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend. Mediated by Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers, the talks did not include the warring sides meeting face to face, but Moscow said there was "progress" and that Haftar viewed the ceasefire document "positively". Watch video: Russian state media citing Libyan sources later said however that his plane departed Russia after a failure to reach a permanent agreement, leaving the fragile truce in uncertainty. Western powers are keen to stabilise Libya home to Africa's largest proven crude reserves following years of turbulence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Russia: Libya's Haftar left Moscow without signing ceasefire deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-seek-accountability-on-khashoggi-no-matter-how-high-it-goes-270052">Turkey</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;send&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;at the&nbsp;request&nbsp;of Tripoli as soon as next month, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan</a>&nbsp;said on Thursday, putting the north African country's conflict at the centre of wider regional frictions.

Libya's internationally recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-war-all-we-want-is-to-live-in-dignity-says-homeless-mohammed-270106">Government of National Accord</a> (GNA) has been fending off a months-long offensive by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-drone-shot-down-by-russian-air-defences-near-libyan-capital-266794">General Khalifa Haftar's</a> forces in eastern&nbsp;Libya, which have been supported by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Last month, Ankara signed two separate accords with the GNA, led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Fayez al-Serraj</a>, one on security and military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.

"Since there is an invitation (from&nbsp;Libya) right now, we will accept it,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;told members of his AK Party in a speech. "We will put the bill on&nbsp;sending&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on the agenda as soon as parliament opens."

The legislation would pass around January&nbsp;8-9, he said, opening the door to deployment.

However, it was unclear what specific invitation&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;was referring to, as the interior minister in the Tripoli-based government, Fathi Bashagha, suggested in comments to reporters in Tunis that no such official&nbsp;request&nbsp;had yet been made.

"If the situation escalates and then we have the right to defend Tripoli and its residents... we will submit an official&nbsp;request&nbsp;to the Turkish government to support us militarily so we expel the ghost of mercenary forces," Bashagha said on Thursday.

For weeks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-seek-accountability-on-khashoggi-no-matter-how-high-it-goes-270052">Ankara</a> has flagged the possibility of a military mission in&nbsp;Libya, which would further stretch its armed forces less than three months after it launched an incursion into northeastern Syria against a Kurdish militia.

Turkey&nbsp;has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a UN&nbsp;report seen last month.

The Tripoli government and Haftar's forces were not immediately available for reaction to&nbsp;Erdogan's comments.

Erdogan&nbsp;visited Tunisia on Wednesday to discuss cooperation for a possible ceasefire in neighbouring&nbsp;Libya. On Thursday, he said&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;and Tunisia had agreed to support the GNA.

Moscow has voiced concerns over a possible Turkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-approves-libya-military-deal-269504">military deployment</a> to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;in support of the GNA.&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has said&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;will not stay silent over mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked Wagner group supporting Haftar.

"Russia is there with 2,000 Wagner (fighters),"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said on Thursday, also referring to some 5,000 fighters from Sudan in&nbsp;Libya. "Is the official government inviting them? No."

"They are all helping a war baron (Haftar), whereas we are accepting an invitation from the legitimate government of the country. That is our difference," he added.

Haftar's eastern-based&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eastern-libyan-force-warns-against-transporting-military-equipment-in-civilian-planes-269619">Libyan National Army</a> has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal.

Turkish and Russian officials held talks in Moscow this week to seek a compromise on the issues of both&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;and Syria. Russia's Vedomosti said on Thursday the discussions had lasted much longer than the expected three days.

In Syria, Russia is an ally of Syrian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">President Bashar al-Assad</a> while&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has backed rebels seeking his ouster during the more than eight-year civil war. The latest talks follow reports that Russian-backed attacks were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards&nbsp;Turkey.

Turkey&nbsp;has also been ramping up efforts to strike deals with nations around the Mediterranean, where Ankara has been at loggerheads with Greece over resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

Turkey will send troops to Libya at the request of Tripoli as soon as next month, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, putting the north African country's conflict at the centre of wider regional frictions.

Turkey will send troops to Libya at the request of Tripoli as soon as next month, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, putting the north African country's conflict at the centre of wider regional frictions. Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) has been fending off a months-long offensive by General Khalifa Haftar's forces in eastern Libya, which have been supported by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Last month, Ankara signed two separate accords with the GNA, led by Fayez al-Serraj, one on security and military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. "Since there is an invitation (from Libya) right now, we will accept it," Erdogan told members of his AK Party in a speech. "We will put the bill on sending troops to Libya on the agenda as soon as parliament opens." The legislation would pass around January 8-9, he said, opening the door to deployment. However, it was unclear what specific invitation Erdogan was referring to, as the interior minister in the Tripoli-based government, Fathi Bashagha, suggested in comments to reporters in Tunis that no such official request had yet been made. "If the situation escalates and then we have the right to defend Tripoli and its residents... we will submit an official request to the Turkish government to support us militarily so we expel the ghost of mercenary forces," Bashagha said on Thursday. For weeks Ankara has flagged the possibility of a military mission in Libya, which would further stretch its armed forces less than three months after it launched an incursion into northeastern Syria against a Kurdish militia. Turkey has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a UN report seen last month. The Tripoli government and Haftar's forces were not immediately available for reaction to Erdogan's comments. Erdogan visited Tunisia on Wednesday to discuss cooperation for a possible ceasefire in neighbouring Libya. On Thursday, he said Turkey and Tunisia had agreed to support the GNA. Moscow has voiced concerns over a possible Turkish military deployment to Libya in support of the GNA. Erdogan has said Turkey will not stay silent over mercenaries from the Kremlin-linked Wagner group supporting Haftar. "Russia is there with 2,000 Wagner (fighters)," Erdogan said on Thursday, also referring to some 5,000 fighters from Sudan in Libya. "Is the official government inviting them? No." "They are all helping a war baron (Haftar), whereas we are accepting an invitation from the legitimate government of the country. That is our difference," he added. Haftar's eastern-based Libyan National Army has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal. Turkish and Russian officials held talks in Moscow this week to seek a compromise on the issues of both Libya and Syria. Russia's Vedomosti said on Thursday the discussions had lasted much longer than the expected three days. In Syria, Russia is an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while Turkey has backed rebels seeking his ouster during the more than eight-year civil war. The latest talks follow reports that Russian-backed attacks were forcing tens of thousands more Syrians to flee towards Turkey. Turkey has also been ramping up efforts to strike deals with nations around the Mediterranean, where Ankara has been at loggerheads with Greece over resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

Turkey to send troops to Libya at Tripoli's request

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../russia-turkey-may-sign-new-contract-on-s-400- systems-in-2020-ria-264578">Turkey</a> and Libya's internationally recognised government have signed an agreement on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea as well as a deal on expanded security and military cooperation, the Turkish government said on Thursday.

There were no immediate details on the maritime accord, which could further complicate disputes over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean where Turkish drilling has angered Greek Cypriots, Athens and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../fatf-european-union-offers-technical-assistance- to-pakistan-262766"> European Union</a>.

EU foreign ministers agreed economic sanctions against Turkey two weeks ago to punish it for drilling off the coast of Cyprus in violation of a maritime economic zone established off the divided island.

The dispute pits Turkey against several eastern Mediterranean states that have agreed maritime and economic zones with Greece and Cyprus, leaving Ankara searching for allies in the region.

The new agreements were signed at a meeting in Istanbul on Wednesday between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Fayez al-Serraj, the head of the Tripoli-based government which Ankara is backing against a rival military force based in eastern Libya.

"The (security) agreement establishes training and education, structures the legal framework, and strengthens the ties between our militaries," the Turkish presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said in a tweet.

"We will also continue advocating for a political solution to build a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya," he said.

Altun's office said in a statement that the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the "delimitation of maritime jurisdictions", which aims to protect the two countries' rights under international law.

Libya has been divided since 2014 into rival military and political camps based in the capital Tripoli and the east. Serraj's government is in conflict with forces led by Khalifa Haftar based in eastern Libya.

Haftar controls most of Libya's oil fields and facilities but oil revenues are controlled by the central bank in Tripoli. The competing military alliances are also battling on the outskirts of the capital.

In June, Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said they had cut all ties with Turkey and that all Turkish commercial flights or ship trying to access Libya would be treated as hostile.

Diplomats say Ankara has supplied drones and trucks to Serraj, while the LNA received support from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Turkey and Libya's internationally recognised government have signed an agreement on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea as well as a deal on expanded security and military cooperation, the Turkish government said on Thursday.

Turkey and Libya's internationally recognised government have signed an agreement on maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea as well as a deal on expanded security and military cooperation, the Turkish government said on Thursday. There were no immediate details on the maritime accord, which could further complicate disputes over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean where Turkish drilling has angered Greek Cypriots, Athens and the European Union. EU foreign ministers agreed economic sanctions against Turkey two weeks ago to punish it for drilling off the coast of Cyprus in violation of a maritime economic zone established off the divided island. The dispute pits Turkey against several eastern Mediterranean states that have agreed maritime and economic zones with Greece and Cyprus, leaving Ankara searching for allies in the region. The new agreements were signed at a meeting in Istanbul on Wednesday between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Fayez al-Serraj, the head of the Tripoli-based government which Ankara is backing against a rival military force based in eastern Libya. "The (security) agreement establishes training and education, structures the legal framework, and strengthens the ties between our militaries," the Turkish presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said in a tweet. "We will also continue advocating for a political solution to build a democratic, stable and prosperous Libya," he said. Altun's office said in a statement that the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the "delimitation of maritime jurisdictions", which aims to protect the two countries' rights under international law. Libya has been divided since 2014 into rival military and political camps based in the capital Tripoli and the east. Serraj's government is in conflict with forces led by Khalifa Haftar based in eastern Libya. Haftar controls most of Libya's oil fields and facilities but oil revenues are controlled by the central bank in Tripoli. The competing military alliances are also battling on the outskirts of the capital. In June, Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said they had cut all ties with Turkey and that all Turkish commercial flights or ship trying to access Libya would be treated as hostile. Diplomats say Ankara has supplied drones and trucks to Serraj, while the LNA received support from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Turkey and Libya sign deal on maritime zones in the Mediterranean

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar whose forces have been battling to capture the seat of the UN-recognized government in Tripoli since April, said he was open to "dialogue" ahead of a special UN session Thursday.

His forces are fighting those of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in a country that has been plagued by violence since Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi was killed in 2011.

"When all is said and done, we need dialogue, and we need to sit down" at the negotiating table, Haftar said in a statement issued Wednesday night.

Hours later, France and Italy brought together the conflict's regional actors in a special Thursday session on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Their mission: to unify the international community and coalesce around the best way out of the conflict.

Sarraj is backed by Turkey and Qatar, the latter of which was absent from the table. Haftar's allies, the UAE and Egypt, sat on the other side, as the small diplomatic gathering got underway.

The idea was to organize "political pressure on the main actors supporting each (Libyan) faction so that they might conclude that it's time to stop the military competition game and proxy war," a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

'No military solution'

Haftar's Wednesday declaration was seen as a positive sign after his faction declared only weeks prior that a "military solution" was the only way out.

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army launched an offensive on April 4 to conquer the seat of Sarraj's government in Tripoli, and purge it of "terrorist groups."

The violence has killed more than 1,000 people according to the UN, and has seen the two sides become entrenched in a stalemate on the capital's southern outskirts.

Haftar has repeatedly hammered home that dialogue would "not be possible so long as terrorist groups and criminal militias control&nbsp;, Tripoli" in reference to forces loyal to the GNA.

But he hoped the UN meeting would lead to proposals that help "restore security and stability" in Libya.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, criticized for his support of Haftar before the Tripoli offensive, did not mince words.

"There will be no military solution in Libya. Those who think otherwise are wrong and risk dragging this country into a dramatic downward slide," he said ahead of the meeting, which was co-chaired by his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio.

'Africa has expertise'&nbsp;

Paris is particularly worried about the risk of an Islamic State insurgency in southern Libya.

The goal is for an agreement on four points: respect for a cease-fire, an arms embargo, sharing of oil resources, and organization of an inter-Libyan conference.

An international conference would gather the conflict's actors and their allies in Berlin, according to a plan proposed by UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame.

Countries in North Africa's Sahel region have been hit hard by the shockwaves and fallout from the Libyan crisis, and have taken a greater role in the African Union's efforts to settle the conflict.

Regional leaders called this week for the appointment of a joint UN-AU special envoy.

"Africa has expertise which has just been confirmed in the Sudan crisis," Mahamadou Issoufou, president of Niger, said.

"Libya is on the African continent, Libya is African, we cannot solve the Libyan problem by leaving the AU at the margin," he said.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar whose forces have been battling to capture the seat of the UN-recognized government in Tripoli since April, said he was open to "dialogue" ahead of a special UN session Thursday.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar whose forces have been battling to capture the seat of the UN-recognized government in Tripoli since April, said he was open to "dialogue" ahead of a special UN session Thursday. His forces are fighting those of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in a country that has been plagued by violence since Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi was killed in 2011. "When all is said and done, we need dialogue, and we need to sit down" at the negotiating table, Haftar said in a statement issued Wednesday night. Hours later, France and Italy brought together the conflict's regional actors in a special Thursday session on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Their mission: to unify the international community and coalesce around the best way out of the conflict. Sarraj is backed by Turkey and Qatar, the latter of which was absent from the table. Haftar's allies, the UAE and Egypt, sat on the other side, as the small diplomatic gathering got underway. The idea was to organize "political pressure on the main actors supporting each (Libyan) faction so that they might conclude that it's time to stop the military competition game and proxy war," a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity. 'No military solution' Haftar's Wednesday declaration was seen as a positive sign after his faction declared only weeks prior that a "military solution" was the only way out. Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army launched an offensive on April 4 to conquer the seat of Sarraj's government in Tripoli, and purge it of "terrorist groups." The violence has killed more than 1,000 people according to the UN, and has seen the two sides become entrenched in a stalemate on the capital's southern outskirts. Haftar has repeatedly hammered home that dialogue would "not be possible so long as terrorist groups and criminal militias control , Tripoli" in reference to forces loyal to the GNA. But he hoped the UN meeting would lead to proposals that help "restore security and stability" in Libya. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, criticized for his support of Haftar before the Tripoli offensive, did not mince words. "There will be no military solution in Libya. Those who think otherwise are wrong and risk dragging this country into a dramatic downward slide," he said ahead of the meeting, which was co-chaired by his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio. 'Africa has expertise' Paris is particularly worried about the risk of an Islamic State insurgency in southern Libya. The goal is for an agreement on four points: respect for a cease-fire, an arms embargo, sharing of oil resources, and organization of an inter-Libyan conference. An international conference would gather the conflict's actors and their allies in Berlin, according to a plan proposed by UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame. Countries in North Africa's Sahel region have been hit hard by the shockwaves and fallout from the Libyan crisis, and have taken a greater role in the African Union's efforts to settle the conflict. Regional leaders called this week for the appointment of a joint UN-AU special envoy. "Africa has expertise which has just been confirmed in the Sudan crisis," Mahamadou Issoufou, president of Niger, said. "Libya is on the African continent, Libya is African, we cannot solve the Libyan problem by leaving the AU at the margin," he said.

Haftar ready for 'dialogue' as UN pressures Libya's warring factions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalifa-haftars-forces-shoot-down-tripoli-government-warplane-south-of-capital-216782">Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar</a>, who is leading a military offensive against the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, said in an interview published Sunday he will continue fighting until militias in the city laid down their arms.

Haftar had justified the offensive last month by saying he was fighting against "private militias and extremist groups" who he said were gaining influence in the capital under Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

"Of course a political solution is the objective," Haftar told the Journal de Dimanche newspaper in France. "But to return to politics, we need to finish with the militias.

"The problem in Tripoli is a security one."

He offered an amnesty to fighters in Tripoli who laid down their arms, saying they would be allowed to "return home safe and sound."

He also took aim at UN mediator Ghassan Salame, who has warned the country is "committing suicide" due to a conflict that 6-10 foreign states are involved in.

"Salame is making irresponsible statements," Haftar said. "He wasn't like that before, he has changed. From an impartial and honest mediator, he has become a biased one."

Salame has warned that Haftar's offensive is "just the start of a long and bloody war".

More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the outskirts of Tripoli.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is leading a military offensive against the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, said in an interview published Sunday he will continue fighting until militias in the city laid down their arms.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is leading a military offensive against the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, said in an interview published Sunday he will continue fighting until militias in the city laid down their arms. Haftar had justified the offensive last month by saying he was fighting against "private militias and extremist groups" who he said were gaining influence in the capital under Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. "Of course a political solution is the objective," Haftar told the Journal de Dimanche newspaper in France. "But to return to politics, we need to finish with the militias. "The problem in Tripoli is a security one." He offered an amnesty to fighters in Tripoli who laid down their arms, saying they would be allowed to "return home safe and sound." He also took aim at UN mediator Ghassan Salame, who has warned the country is "committing suicide" due to a conflict that 6-10 foreign states are involved in. "Salame is making irresponsible statements," Haftar said. "He wasn't like that before, he has changed. From an impartial and honest mediator, he has become a biased one." Salame has warned that Haftar's offensive is "just the start of a long and bloody war". More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization. More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the outskirts of Tripoli.

Libya's Khalifa Haftar says to fight until Tripoli 'militias' defeated

The head of Libya's UN-backed government Fayez al-Sarraj on Saturday accused his rival Khalifa Haftar of betraying him over a military offensive against the capital Tripoli which risks plunging the country into civil war.

Forces loyal to the Libyan commander have pressed on with their assault despite international calls to halt hostilities.

In a televised address, Sarraj warned of a "war without a winner".

"We have extended our hands towards peace but after the aggression that has taken place on the part of forces belonging to Haftar... He will find nothing but strength and firmness," he said.

Po-Haftar fighters have been slowed in their advance by forces loyal to Sarraj's Government of National Accord (GNA), which is based in the capital.

For the first time, forces backing the GNA launched air strikes earlier Saturday on Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) -- which vowed to retaliate -- around 50 kilometres south of Tripoli.

Pro-government forces in Tripoli confirmed they had targeted Haftar's men with "intensive strikes".

The air strikes came as fresh fighting flared Saturday south of Tripoli between the pro-government forces and Haftar's troops despite calls from the international community to halt the military offensive.

Several European foreign ministers warned Haftar not to countenance any further military action, with France's Jean-Yves Le Drian warning "there will be no military victory".

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said there should be pressure on all the actors in Libya "especially general Haftar".

A similar stance was taken by the UN Security Council which, following a closed-door emergency meeting Friday, said those responsible for re-igniting the conflict will be held responsible.

Libya has struggled to counter unrest since the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, leaving dozens of militia to fill the void and ally with either the GNA or the rival administration in the east backed by Haftar.

At least one armed group from Misrata -- whose forces are mostly loyal to the UN-backed government -- arrived Saturday in eastern Tripoli to join the counter-offensive, according to an AFP photographer.

"We are waiting for orders to repel any advance by the enemy towards Tripoli," said the group's spokesman Khaled Abu Jazia.

Dozens of armed vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns were gathered in Tajura, in the suburbs east of the capital.

Tripoli residents have expressed concern that large-scale fighting could break out and began stocking up on food and petrol.

On Saturday large queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets, an AFP journalist said.

"We must store everything we need for the family, just in case, especially those with young children," said Farida, a mother pushing a full shopping cart. "You never know how long it will last," she added.

Haftar's forces were driven back by a few kilometres on Friday evening after briefly seizing Tripoli's international airport, which was destroyed in 2014. They were also pushed back from a key checkpoint west of the capital, less than 24 hours after seizing it during their lightning offensive towards Tripoli.

The latest escalation in the conflict-wracked country comes just days ahead of a UN-backed conference intended to unite Libya's rivals and pave the way for elections.

Russia's top diplomat on Saturday called for Libyans to "decide their future themselves" through "inclusive" dialogue.

"Without any sort of artificial dates that some are trying to force upon them from outside," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a visit to Cairo.

Despite the Tripoli flare-up, UN envoy Ghassan Salame insisted the April 14-16 talks in the Libyan city of Ghadames would go ahead.

"We are determined" to hold the talks "as scheduled" unless prevented by serious obstacles, Salame told a press conference.

"We want to reassure Libyans that we will stay alongside the Libyan people to make the political process a success without resorting to escalation." 
Libya's unity government was created at UN-backed talks in 2015 but it has struggled to assert control, while a number of international initiatives since have failed to unite the country.&nbsp;

The head of Libya's UN-backed government Fayez al-Sarraj on Saturday accused his rival Khalifa Haftar of betraying him over a military offensive against the capital Tripoli which risks plunging the country into civil war.

The head of Libya's UN-backed government Fayez al-Sarraj on Saturday accused his rival Khalifa Haftar of betraying him over a military offensive against the capital Tripoli which risks plunging the country into civil war. Forces loyal to the Libyan commander have pressed on with their assault despite international calls to halt hostilities. In a televised address, Sarraj warned of a "war without a winner". "We have extended our hands towards peace but after the aggression that has taken place on the part of forces belonging to Haftar... He will find nothing but strength and firmness," he said. Po-Haftar fighters have been slowed in their advance by forces loyal to Sarraj's Government of National Accord (GNA), which is based in the capital. For the first time, forces backing the GNA launched air strikes earlier Saturday on Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) -- which vowed to retaliate -- around 50 kilometres south of Tripoli. Pro-government forces in Tripoli confirmed they had targeted Haftar's men with "intensive strikes". The air strikes came as fresh fighting flared Saturday south of Tripoli between the pro-government forces and Haftar's troops despite calls from the international community to halt the military offensive. Several European foreign ministers warned Haftar not to countenance any further military action, with France's Jean-Yves Le Drian warning "there will be no military victory". German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said there should be pressure on all the actors in Libya "especially general Haftar". A similar stance was taken by the UN Security Council which, following a closed-door emergency meeting Friday, said those responsible for re-igniting the conflict will be held responsible. Libya has struggled to counter unrest since the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, leaving dozens of militia to fill the void and ally with either the GNA or the rival administration in the east backed by Haftar. At least one armed group from Misrata -- whose forces are mostly loyal to the UN-backed government -- arrived Saturday in eastern Tripoli to join the counter-offensive, according to an AFP photographer. "We are waiting for orders to repel any advance by the enemy towards Tripoli," said the group's spokesman Khaled Abu Jazia. Dozens of armed vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns were gathered in Tajura, in the suburbs east of the capital. Tripoli residents have expressed concern that large-scale fighting could break out and began stocking up on food and petrol. On Saturday large queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets, an AFP journalist said. "We must store everything we need for the family, just in case, especially those with young children," said Farida, a mother pushing a full shopping cart. "You never know how long it will last," she added. Haftar's forces were driven back by a few kilometres on Friday evening after briefly seizing Tripoli's international airport, which was destroyed in 2014. They were also pushed back from a key checkpoint west of the capital, less than 24 hours after seizing it during their lightning offensive towards Tripoli. The latest escalation in the conflict-wracked country comes just days ahead of a UN-backed conference intended to unite Libya's rivals and pave the way for elections. Russia's top diplomat on Saturday called for Libyans to "decide their future themselves" through "inclusive" dialogue. "Without any sort of artificial dates that some are trying to force upon them from outside," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a visit to Cairo. Despite the Tripoli flare-up, UN envoy Ghassan Salame insisted the April 14-16 talks in the Libyan city of Ghadames would go ahead. "We are determined" to hold the talks "as scheduled" unless prevented by serious obstacles, Salame told a press conference. "We want to reassure Libyans that we will stay alongside the Libyan people to make the political process a success without resorting to escalation." Libya's unity government was created at UN-backed talks in 2015 but it has struggled to assert control, while a number of international initiatives since have failed to unite the country.

Libya PM accuses rival Khalifa Haftar of betrayal over Tripoli offensive

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Fayez al-Sarraj, leader of the UN-backed government of Lybia&#39;s Tripoli, met in Moscow on Thursday. They discussed the possible role of mediator that Russia could have in the war-torn north African Country.&nbsp;

According to a statement issued by minister Lavrov, the dialogue was focused on the necessity to re-unite Lybia and the possible ways to do it.&nbsp;

Lybia is currently a divided country, &#39;hostage&#39; of a power struggle between several factions.&nbsp;

Moscow declared to be ready to mediate between the rivals in order to find a common solution and bring back peace in a strategically oil and gas-rich country. &quot;Moscow confirmed its readiness to work closely with all sides in Libya with the aim of seeking mutually acceptable solutions to create the grounds for the stable development of Libya as a united, sovereign and independent state,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Libyan political delegation had been accompanied by officials representing the National Oil Corporation and the defense ministry.&nbsp;

Al-Seraj&#39;s major rival is Khalifa Aftar, a military commander who enjoys support by many factions active in the east of the country. Seraj visit to Moscow could be seen as an effort to overcome this rivalry which is paralysing Lybia.&nbsp;

This is also part of a renewed Russian activism in the international scenario. The country is also fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against several rebel groups and terrorist organisations controlling significant swathes of territory. &nbsp;

Moscow&#39;s activism has not been welcomed by the US which are currently supporting a number of groups active within the so called Free Syrian Army, an organisation currently fighting against Bashar al-Assad. &nbsp;

Seraj&#39;s office quoted him as saying that Russia could play a positive role in Libya &quot;thanks to its ties with various Libyan parties.&quot; &quot;The passage of time does not allow for the political maneuvers that (some) Libyan groups are trying to play,&quot; Seraj&#39;s office said.&nbsp;

&quot;The Russian side stressed the need for an inclusive intra-Libyan dialogue aimed at setting up unified organs of power, including an army and police force capable of maintaining security and law and order and of effectively countering a terrorist threat,&quot; it said.&nbsp;

Lavrov and Seraj had also discussed the progress of the U.N.-sponsored reconciliation dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavorv offers mediation between Lybia's UN-backed PM Fayez al-Sarraj and military commander Khalifa Aftar

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Fayez al-Sarraj, leader of the UN-backed government of Lybia's Tripoli, met in Moscow on Thursday. They discussed the possible role of mediator that Russia could have in the war-torn north African Country. According to a statement issued by minister Lavrov, the dialogue was focused on the necessity to re-unite Lybia and the possible ways to do it. Lybia is currently a divided country, 'hostage' of a power struggle between several factions. Moscow declared to be ready to mediate between the rivals in order to find a common solution and bring back peace in a strategically oil and gas-rich country. "Moscow confirmed its readiness to work closely with all sides in Libya with the aim of seeking mutually acceptable solutions to create the grounds for the stable development of Libya as a united, sovereign and independent state," the ministry said in a statement. The Libyan political delegation had been accompanied by officials representing the National Oil Corporation and the defense ministry. Al-Seraj's major rival is Khalifa Aftar, a military commander who enjoys support by many factions active in the east of the country. Seraj visit to Moscow could be seen as an effort to overcome this rivalry which is paralysing Lybia. This is also part of a renewed Russian activism in the international scenario. The country is also fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against several rebel groups and terrorist organisations controlling significant swathes of territory. Moscow's activism has not been welcomed by the US which are currently supporting a number of groups active within the so called Free Syrian Army, an organisation currently fighting against Bashar al-Assad. Seraj's office quoted him as saying that Russia could play a positive role in Libya "thanks to its ties with various Libyan parties." "The passage of time does not allow for the political maneuvers that (some) Libyan groups are trying to play," Seraj's office said. "The Russian side stressed the need for an inclusive intra-Libyan dialogue aimed at setting up unified organs of power, including an army and police force capable of maintaining security and law and order and of effectively countering a terrorist threat," it said. Lavrov and Seraj had also discussed the progress of the U.N.-sponsored reconciliation dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Russia says is ready to help unifying war-torn Lybia

Libya&#39;s prime minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj announced the liberation of Sirte from Islamic State on Saturday, eight months after operations began to drive out the militant group.&nbsp;

&quot;I officially announce the end of military operations and the liberation of the town&quot;, Sarraj announced, two weeks after government led forces gained control of the coastal ground.&nbsp;

Sirte was the last major territory in Islamic State&#39;s control in the country.&nbsp;

However, he warned &quot;the battle for Sirte is over but the war against terrorism in Libya is not finished,&quot; and pushed for the need to unify the different military forces into &quot;one single army&quot;.

The latest conquest will increase authority of Sarraj&#39;s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which was launched in Tripoli in March but its legitmacy is contested by a rival party in Eastern Libya.&nbsp;

The GNA is backed by western countries, in the hope it will curb&nbsp;jihadism in Libya and stop human trafficking across the Mediterranean.

The loss of Sirte is a major setback for the Islamic State group which is losing ground in Syria and Iraq.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

In a televised address, Libya's unity government leader Fayez al-Sarraj announced the cessation of all military operations in Sirte

Libya's prime minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj announced the liberation of Sirte from Islamic State on Saturday, eight months after operations began to drive out the militant group. "I officially announce the end of military operations and the liberation of the town", Sarraj announced, two weeks after government led forces gained control of the coastal ground. Sirte was the last major territory in Islamic State's control in the country. However, he warned "the battle for Sirte is over but the war against terrorism in Libya is not finished," and pushed for the need to unify the different military forces into "one single army". The latest conquest will increase authority of Sarraj's UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which was launched in Tripoli in March but its legitmacy is contested by a rival party in Eastern Libya. The GNA is backed by western countries, in the hope it will curb jihadism in Libya and stop human trafficking across the Mediterranean. The loss of Sirte is a major setback for the Islamic State group which is losing ground in Syria and Iraq. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Libya officially announces liberation of Sirte from IS

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