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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&nbsp;

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

Forces loyal to rogue Libyan General Khalifa Haftar on Saturday announced a ceasefire beginning midnight on Sunday following calls from Moscow and Ankara for a truce.

Libya: Forces Loyal to General Haftar Announce Ceasefire

Libyan eastern forces loyal to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-asks-russia-to-get-libyan-general-to-accept-truce-273642">commander Khalifa Haftar</a> announced on Saturday a ceasefire in the western region, which includes the capital Tripoli, starting 00:01 a.m. on Sunday (22:01 GMT) and the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) agreed to the truce.

Since April, Libyan National Army <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">forces loyal to Haftar</a> have been waging a campaign to take Tripoli, where they are battling forces aligned with the GNA.

In a statement posted online early on Sunday, the Tripoli based GNA said: "In response to the Turkish president and the Russian president's call for a ceasefire, the head of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord announces a ceasefire starting 00:00 on Jan. 12."

While the LNA had on Thursday rebuffed a call by Turkey and Russia for a ceasefire in a conflict that is drawing increasing foreign involvement and concern, LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari said in a video statement late on Saturday that the LNA accepted a truce in the west "provided that the other party abides by the ceasefire."

He warned that "any breach will be met with a harsh response".

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the truce and urged the warring parties "to strictly abide by the ceasefire and make a room for peaceful efforts to address all disputes through a Libyan-Libyan dialogue".

Turkey backs the Tripoli-based GNA headed by Fayez al-Serraj, while Russian military contractors have been deployed alongside the eastern forces.

A senior GNA official said on Thursday that it welcomed any credible ceasefire proposal but had a duty to protect Libyans from Haftar's offensive.

Any ceasefire will likely be hard to uphold after a recent escalation in fighting around Tripoli and the strategic coastal city of Sirte and given the fractious, loose nature of Libya’s military alliances.

Forces loyal to Haftar said this week they had taken control of Sirte in a rapid advance preceded by air strikes.

Earlier on Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Libyan peace talks will be held in Berlin, adding that Libya's warring parties would need to play a major role to help find a solution.

Libyan eastern forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar announced on Saturday a ceasefire in the western region, which includes the capital Tripoli, starting 00:01 a.

Libyan eastern forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar announced on Saturday a ceasefire in the western region, which includes the capital Tripoli, starting 00:01 a.m. on Sunday (22:01 GMT) and the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) agreed to the truce. Since April, Libyan National Army forces loyal to Haftar have been waging a campaign to take Tripoli, where they are battling forces aligned with the GNA. In a statement posted online early on Sunday, the Tripoli based GNA said: "In response to the Turkish president and the Russian president's call for a ceasefire, the head of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord announces a ceasefire starting 00:00 on Jan. 12." While the LNA had on Thursday rebuffed a call by Turkey and Russia for a ceasefire in a conflict that is drawing increasing foreign involvement and concern, LNA spokesman Ahmed Mismari said in a video statement late on Saturday that the LNA accepted a truce in the west "provided that the other party abides by the ceasefire." He warned that "any breach will be met with a harsh response". The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the truce and urged the warring parties "to strictly abide by the ceasefire and make a room for peaceful efforts to address all disputes through a Libyan-Libyan dialogue". Turkey backs the Tripoli-based GNA headed by Fayez al-Serraj, while Russian military contractors have been deployed alongside the eastern forces. A senior GNA official said on Thursday that it welcomed any credible ceasefire proposal but had a duty to protect Libyans from Haftar's offensive. Any ceasefire will likely be hard to uphold after a recent escalation in fighting around Tripoli and the strategic coastal city of Sirte and given the fractious, loose nature of Libya’s military alliances. Forces loyal to Haftar said this week they had taken control of Sirte in a rapid advance preceded by air strikes. Earlier on Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Libyan peace talks will be held in Berlin, adding that Libya's warring parties would need to play a major role to help find a solution.

Libyan forces loyal to Haftar announce ceasefire, GNA agrees to truce

Both of Libya's warring factions accused each other of violating a ceasefire proposed by Turkey and Russia, as fighting continued around the capital, Tripoli, on Sunday.

The Turkish and Russian presidents had called for the ceasefire to start on Sunday, more than nine months into an offensive on Tripoli by the eastern-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libyan-forces-loyal-to-haftar-announce-ceasefire-gna-agrees-to-truce-273671">Libyan National Army</a> (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar.

Both the LNA and the Tripoli-based, internationally recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-30-people-killed-in-libya-military-academy-attack-in-tripoli-272302">Government of National Accord</a> (GNA) had said they conditionally agreed to the truce.

But the GNA said in a statement that it had recorded gunfire in the Salaheddin and Wadi Rabea areas "minutes" after the ceasefire was meant to start at 0001 a.m. on Sunday (Saturday 2201 GMT).

From early on Sunday morning exchanges of fire could be heard in Salaheddin and Ain Zara districts.

Any attempt to impose a lasting ceasefire will be hard to enforce because of the splintered nature of Libya's military coalitions, with disparate factions and foreign fighters deployed on both sides. Both sides refer to each other as militias.

"The (GNA) militias violated the truce on more than one battlefront, with all types of weapons," said LNA commander Al-Mabrouk Al-Gazawi, adding that forces were waiting for further instruction from LNA general command.

The GNA said in a statement it had recorded violations by "the aggressor's militias" but that it "renews its commitment to the ceasefire, and emphasizes the need for commitment from the patrons of this ceasefire and the United Nations mission in Libya in applying it optimally".

Turkey's defence ministry said it had observed that all sides were trying to abide by the ceasefire and that the situation was calm except for "one or two separate incidents".

The ceasefire call came after a recent escalation of fighting around Tripoli, and the LNA's advance into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Sirte</a>, a strategically important city midway along Libya's coastline.

It also came as the United Nations and European powers pushed for a summit in Berlin aimed at winding down foreign involvement and resuming a peace process upended by Haftar's advance.

The LNA has received backing from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and Russia, while Turkey backs the GNA and voted this month to allow a troop deployment to the North African country.

Both of Libya's warring factions accused each other of violating a ceasefire proposed by Turkey and Russia, as fighting continued around the capital, Tripoli, on Sunday.

Both of Libya's warring factions accused each other of violating a ceasefire proposed by Turkey and Russia, as fighting continued around the capital, Tripoli, on Sunday. The Turkish and Russian presidents had called for the ceasefire to start on Sunday, more than nine months into an offensive on Tripoli by the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar. Both the LNA and the Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) had said they conditionally agreed to the truce. But the GNA said in a statement that it had recorded gunfire in the Salaheddin and Wadi Rabea areas "minutes" after the ceasefire was meant to start at 0001 a.m. on Sunday (Saturday 2201 GMT). From early on Sunday morning exchanges of fire could be heard in Salaheddin and Ain Zara districts. Any attempt to impose a lasting ceasefire will be hard to enforce because of the splintered nature of Libya's military coalitions, with disparate factions and foreign fighters deployed on both sides. Both sides refer to each other as militias. "The (GNA) militias violated the truce on more than one battlefront, with all types of weapons," said LNA commander Al-Mabrouk Al-Gazawi, adding that forces were waiting for further instruction from LNA general command. The GNA said in a statement it had recorded violations by "the aggressor's militias" but that it "renews its commitment to the ceasefire, and emphasizes the need for commitment from the patrons of this ceasefire and the United Nations mission in Libya in applying it optimally". Turkey's defence ministry said it had observed that all sides were trying to abide by the ceasefire and that the situation was calm except for "one or two separate incidents". The ceasefire call came after a recent escalation of fighting around Tripoli, and the LNA's advance into Sirte, a strategically important city midway along Libya's coastline. It also came as the United Nations and European powers pushed for a summit in Berlin aimed at winding down foreign involvement and resuming a peace process upended by Haftar's advance. The LNA has received backing from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and Russia, while Turkey backs the GNA and voted this month to allow a troop deployment to the North African country.

Libya: Libyan National Army and Government of National Accord blame each other for 'violating ceasefire'

Libya forces loyal to eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar announced on Saturday a ceasefire on Sunday conditional on acceptance by their rivals. #Libya #LibyanArmy #WION

Libya: General Haftar's forces announces conditional ceasefire

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">killing</a> of a&nbsp;top&nbsp;general and turmoil in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

Russia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Vladimir Putin</a> will hold talks with German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-visits-auschwitz-for-first-time-266657">Angela Merkel</a> in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a>: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets <a href="https://t.co/ZusR628AYx">https://t.co/ZusR628AYx</a> <a href="https://t.co/DJn09l0VWe">pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe</a>
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E/status/1215291712173694976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker.

German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-plotting-imminent-action-threatening-hundreds-of-american-lives-pompeo-271975">Heiko Maas</a>, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;was the escalating crisis in&nbsp;Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria".

"We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin."

Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters.

Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sports-has-emerged-as-battlefield-for-freedom-of-expression-270322">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> called for a ceasefire in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict.

While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Tripoli</a> government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government.

Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire.

The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed&nbsp;top&nbsp;Iranian commander General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a drone strike close to Baghdad.

Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region".

Watch:&nbsp;Iran gives black box to Ukraine

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Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops.

While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East".

Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal.

The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies.

The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people.

Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders.

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Thanked <a href="https://twitter.com/HeikoMaas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HeikoMaas</a> for German support and sympathy after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ps752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ps752</a> tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January.
— Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPrystaiko/status/1215373166224330752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Vadym Prystaiko</a> tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks.

Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany.

A confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the US killing of a top general and turmoil in Libya are set to dominate talks in Moscow on Saturday between the leaders of Russia and Germany. Russia's Vladimir Putin will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday afternoon, her first visit since May 2018 when the two leaders met at Sochi on the Black Sea. #Crimea: The President watched the joint exercises of the Northern and Black Sea fleets https://t.co/ZusR628AYx pic.twitter.com/DJn09l0VWe — President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 9, 2020 × Putin visited Syria and Turkey this week and is keen to stress his role as a regional powerbroker. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who will attend the talks, said a "key reason" for the meeting was the escalating crisis in Libya, where Germany is acting as a mediator in a conflict he has warned could become a "second Syria". "We are involving Europe and those players who are influential there, for that we need Russia," Maas told Germany's NTV television. "For us, it's not too far to fly to Moscow to discuss that with Putin." Merkel is to invite Putin to a Berlin conference on Libya later this month, diplomatic sources told reporters. Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire in Libya on Wednesday, although they are seen as supporting opposing sides in the conflict. While Turkey has sent troops to support the UN-backed Tripoli government, Moscow is accused of backing mercenaries supporting strongman Khalifa Haftar in his fight against the government. Haftar said he would fight on despite the call for a ceasefire. The Kremlin said last week that Saturday's talks would cover the "escalation of tensions" in the Middle East after the US killed top Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike close to Baghdad. Putin warned the killing could "seriously aggravate the situation in the region". Watch: Iran gives black box to Ukraine × Iran, an ally of Moscow, responded with missile attacks on Iraq bases housing American troops. While Germany condemned the tit-for-tat violence and urged Tehran to end a "spiral" of conflict, Putin said using force would "not contribute to finding solutions to the complex problems in the Middle East". Tehran has announced a further rollback on its commitment to a 2015 nuclear accord following the United States' unilateral withdrawal in 2018. Russia and Germany are among world powers still backing the deal. The talks also come after a Ukrainian airliner crashed in Iran on Wednesday killing all 176 onboard. Canada and the US have suggested Iran downed it with a missile, which Tehran denies. The Kremlin said the talks would also cover the conflict in Ukraine. The war with Moscow-backed separatists broke out after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and has killed more than 13,000 people. Putin in December held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris in the "Normandy format" hosted by German and French leaders. Thanked @HeikoMaas for German support and sympathy after #ps752 tragedy. During the phone call we agreed to cooperate for independent and transparent investigation. We discussed also "Minsk settlement". Waiting for news ater the meeting between Merkel and Putin on 11 January. — Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) January 9, 2020 × Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko tweeted on Friday that he had spoken to Maas about the Ukraine conflict and was "waiting for news" to emerge from the talks. Political analysts in Kiev said they expected the topic to be overshadowed by Iran tensions, while Merkel could ask Putin to push Tehran for a transparent investigation of the plane crash.

Libya and Iran top agenda in Merkel-Putin meeting

Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> will host Russian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-president-vladimir-putin-scores-eight-goals-in-all-star-hockey-game-217675">Vladimir Putin</a> on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Qasem Soleimani</a> by the United States.&nbsp;

Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea.

TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine.

But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2.

The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey&nbsp;two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet.

They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya.

Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar.&nbsp;

Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow.&nbsp;

But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow.

"The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said.&nbsp;

Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship.&nbsp;

Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border.&nbsp;

Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year.

"Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea."

Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system.

Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016.&nbsp;

The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent".

The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles).

The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to inaugurate a new gas pipeline, with tensions in Libya and Syria also on the agenda. Putin arrived late on Tuesday after paying a surprise visit to Syria his first to Damascus since the war began at a moment of acute uncertainty in the Middle East following the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by the United States. Russia's leader will seek to boost his credentials as a regional powerbroker at the symbolic opening of the TurkStream pipeline, which brings Russian gas to Turkey and southern Europe via the Black Sea. TurkStream and the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic allow Russia to increase gas supplies to Europe without having to rely on Ukraine. But Moscow's increasing domination of European energy markets has worried the US, which last month sanctioned firms working on TurkStream and the almost completed Nord Stream 2. The ceremony in Istanbul, due to start at 1200 GMT, reflects a dramatic improvement in ties between Russia and Turkey two countries seemingly on the verge of war less than five years ago after Turkey shot down a Russian jet. They remain on opposing sides in the Syria conflict and could be on a collision course in Libya. Last week, Turkey sent its first troops to help defend the UN-backed Tripoli government, which is under siege from strongman Khalifa Haftar. Erdogan says 2,500 Russian mercenaries are among those supporting Haftar claims denied by Moscow. But Russia so far seems unfazed by the Turkish deployment in Libya, said Mariana Belenkaia, of the Carnegie Centre in Moscow. "The two countries will likely be tempted to share the Libyan burden," she said. Syria remains a potential powder-keg for Erdogan and Putin's relationship. Syrian government forces backed by Russia have ramped up bombardment of the last rebel strongholds in Idlib province in recent weeks, sending hundreds of thousands fleeing towards the Turkish border. Erdogan has called for a truce in Idlib, following previous temporary halts to the fighting brokered with Russia in late 2018 and updated in August last year. "Russia's demands are very simple," said Yury Barmin, of the Moscow Policy Group think tank, "Turkey must do more to eliminate terrorist cells in Idlib. The discussions will be around this idea." Improved ties between the two countries have been facilitated by a number of major energy and defence deals Russia is building Turkey's first nuclear plant and provided a missile defence system. Putin also earned goodwill in Turkey after his quick support for Erdogan following an attempted coup in July 2016. The two men have developed a "strong personal relationship", according to Jana Jabbour of Sciences Po university in Paris, who adds that "their economic and energy plans are interdependent". The TurkStream project, which was temporarily halted during a frosty patch in Russia-Turkey relations, includes two parallel pipelines of more than 900 kilometers (550 miles). The pipeline links Anapa in Russia to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey and has already begun deliveries to Bulgaria. It is being extended towards Serbia, Hungary, and Austria.

Vladimir Putin visits Turkey to talk Libya, Syria and gas

General Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) said on Monday that they had captured the northern city of Sirte following a rapid advance preceded by airstrikes.

General Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) said on Monday that they had captured the northern city of Sirte following a rapid advance preceded by airstrikes. The spokesperson for LNA, Ahmed al-Mesmari, said that “The commander-in-chief decided a well-planned pre-emptive strike operation that took less than three hours” and his fighters “were in the heart of Sirte”. Adding further, he said “The operation to liberate Sirte was quick and swift. The battle was based on secrecy and surprise.” Sirte lies in the centre of Libya’s Mediterranean coast which is at equal distance from Libya’s GNA-based capital, Tripoli and General Haftar's capital, Tobruk. Sirte was controlled by GNA-aligned forces since they expelled Islamic State (IS) militants with the help of US airstrikes in 2016. General Haftar launched military operation over Tripoli, since April. Sirte is seen as an important gain to General Haftar. Haftar led LNA further said that they had taken the surrounding districts which also includes, al-Qardabiya airbase before reaching the centre of the city. According to a resident in the area, the fighters of LNA were entering inside Sirte city and "they control large parts of the city now". Many claimed that they heard gunfire shots. However, there was no immediate response from GNA forces and they claimed it to be nothing more than ‘rumours’. In their statement, the clashes took place on the outskirts of the city and Sirte is far from any danger. Turkey is on its way to support GNA by sending its military advisers and experts to Libya to reduce the international conflict. According to UN experts and diplomats, LNA has received material and military support from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Egypt. This move was slammed by the UN’s special envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame and he asks foreign entities to stay out from Libya and its matters. A military college was hit in the capital on Saturday that killed at least 30 people, a day after the only functioning airport was closed in Tripoli. Such escalations of fighting, shelling, and airstrikes were witnessed in the capital city in recent weeks. Sirte was actually the hometown of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It had been taken by ISIS in early 2015 and was one of the jihadi group’s most prominent base outside the Middle East. Haftar’s forces had already captured the oil ports of the coastal city in 2016. (With Inputs from Agencies)

Libya: Haftar forces seize large parts of Sirte City

The foreign ministers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-most-prolific-rapist-convicted-of-150-offences-272720">Britain</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-government-seeks-to-end-unrest-by-resuming-pension-talks-272609">France</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-germans-killed-as-car-hits-pedestrians-in-northern-italy-272318">Germany and Italy</a> along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources.

The British foreign ministry said the talks would cover the fallout from the US killing of a top Iranian general as well as Tehran's latest step back from the 2015 nuclear deal.

The situation in Libya, where strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-30-people-killed-in-libya-military-academy-attack-in-tripoli-272302">Khalifa Haftar</a>'s forces have seized the coastal city of Sirte, is also the agenda.

The emergency meeting comes as the EU scrambles for ways to contain the growing tensions in two major flashpoints on its periphery, as Iran threatens revenge for the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assassination-of-qasim-soleimani-what-we-know-so-far-272653">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab will hold a one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has warned Iran against retaliating over Soleimani's death, before joining the German and Italian ministers for talks on Libya.

"The foreign secretary is travelling to Brussels today for talks with his European counterparts on the situation in the Middle East following the death of Soleimani and on the escalating conflict in Libya," the British foreign ministry said.

<a>Watch</a>: East Libya to cut ties with Turkey

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"The E3 will then meet to discuss the tensions between the US and Iran with all three pushing for de-escalation," it added, referring to Britain, France and Germany as the three European signatories of the Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;

"The talks will also cover the nuclear deal following Iran’s latest announcement on Sunday that it is withdrawing from further commitments in the deal."

Timings for the meetings have not yet been announced.

&nbsp;

Targeted killing

European powers on Monday criticised Iran's latest announcement that it was cutting its commitments under the nuclear deal, which has been steadily unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed sanctions in May 2018.

But the possible repercussions from Friday's targeted killing of Soleimani - the key player in Iran's network of alliances and proxy groups around the Middle East - will be a more pressing concern.

The US operation took Washington's allies by surprise, and NATO held an urgent meeting of its ruling council on Monday to hear from American officials and discuss the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Tuesday to say the alliance remains committed to the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) and would resume training activities - suspended after Soleimani's death - as soon as security improves.

In Libya, Haftar's capture of Sirte raised tensions as Turkey said it was deploying troops to the country to protect the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Watch: Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill

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The oil-rich North African country has been plunged into chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday that more intense fighting could soon break out around Tripoli and called for a political solution to the crisis.

The new European Commission has vowed to take on a more "geopolitical" role but the EU often finds itself hamstrung on foreign policy by internal differences and it took three days for President Ursula von der Leyen to issue a statement on Soleimani's killing.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources.

The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and Italy along with the EU diplomatic chief will hold talks in Brussels Tuesday on the Iran and Libya crises, officials told sources. The British foreign ministry said the talks would cover the fallout from the US killing of a top Iranian general as well as Tehran's latest step back from the 2015 nuclear deal. The situation in Libya, where strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces have seized the coastal city of Sirte, is also the agenda. The emergency meeting comes as the EU scrambles for ways to contain the growing tensions in two major flashpoints on its periphery, as Iran threatens revenge for the death of Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad on Friday. British foreign minister Dominic Raab will hold a one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who has warned Iran against retaliating over Soleimani's death, before joining the German and Italian ministers for talks on Libya. "The foreign secretary is travelling to Brussels today for talks with his European counterparts on the situation in the Middle East following the death of Soleimani and on the escalating conflict in Libya," the British foreign ministry said. Watch: East Libya to cut ties with Turkey × "The E3 will then meet to discuss the tensions between the US and Iran with all three pushing for de-escalation," it added, referring to Britain, France and Germany as the three European signatories of the Iran nuclear deal. "The talks will also cover the nuclear deal following Iran’s latest announcement on Sunday that it is withdrawing from further commitments in the deal." Timings for the meetings have not yet been announced. Targeted killing European powers on Monday criticised Iran's latest announcement that it was cutting its commitments under the nuclear deal, which has been steadily unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew and reimposed sanctions in May 2018. But the possible repercussions from Friday's targeted killing of Soleimani - the key player in Iran's network of alliances and proxy groups around the Middle East - will be a more pressing concern. The US operation took Washington's allies by surprise, and NATO held an urgent meeting of its ruling council on Monday to hear from American officials and discuss the future of the alliance's training mission in Iraq. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi on Tuesday to say the alliance remains committed to the fight against the Islamic State group (IS) and would resume training activities - suspended after Soleimani's death - as soon as security improves. In Libya, Haftar's capture of Sirte raised tensions as Turkey said it was deploying troops to the country to protect the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). Watch: Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill × The oil-rich North African country has been plunged into chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday that more intense fighting could soon break out around Tripoli and called for a political solution to the crisis. The new European Commission has vowed to take on a more "geopolitical" role but the EU often finds itself hamstrung on foreign policy by internal differences and it took three days for President Ursula von der Leyen to issue a statement on Soleimani's killing.

UK, French, German, Italian FMs meeting on Iran, Libya

At least 28 people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday in an air strike on a military school in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-war-all-we-want-is-to-live-in-dignity-says-homeless-mohammed-270106">Libyan </a>capital Tripoli, a ministry spokesman said.

"An air raid on the military school of Tripoli killed 28 cadets and injured dozens more," Amin al-Hashemi, spokesman for the health ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA) said.

At the time of the strike the cadets were gathered on a parade ground before going to their dormitories, he added.

The military school is in al-Hadba al-Khadra, a residential sector of the Libyan capital.

The GNA health ministry called for blood donors to go to hospitals and blood banks to help those injured.

The southern part of Tripoli has seen fierce fighting since last April when military strongman Khalifa Haftar began an offensive against the GNA.

Libya was plunged into chaos with the toppling and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. It has since become divided between the GNA and rival authorities based in the country's east.

GNA forces accused those loyal to Haftar of the strike, posting photos of the victims and the wounded on Facebook.

However, pro-Haftar forces have not claimed responsibility for the attack.

More than 280 civilians and more than 2,000 fighters have been killed since the start of Haftar's assault on Tripoli, according to the United Nations. The fighting has also displaced some 146,000 people.

The UN Security Council last month renewed its calls for a ceasefire in Libya, and urged foreign actors to honour an arms embargo on the country -- which Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have regularly violated, according to a confidential UN report seen by AFP.

At least 28 people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday in an air strike on a military school in the Libyan capital Tripoli, a ministry spokesman said. "An air raid on the military school of Tripoli killed 28 cadets and injured dozens more," Amin al-Hashemi, spokesman for the health ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA) said.

At least 28 people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday in an air strike on a military school in the Libyan capital Tripoli, a ministry spokesman said. "An air raid on the military school of Tripoli killed 28 cadets and injured dozens more," Amin al-Hashemi, spokesman for the health ministry of the Government of National Accord (GNA) said. At the time of the strike the cadets were gathered on a parade ground before going to their dormitories, he added. The military school is in al-Hadba al-Khadra, a residential sector of the Libyan capital. The GNA health ministry called for blood donors to go to hospitals and blood banks to help those injured. The southern part of Tripoli has seen fierce fighting since last April when military strongman Khalifa Haftar began an offensive against the GNA. Libya was plunged into chaos with the toppling and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. It has since become divided between the GNA and rival authorities based in the country's east. GNA forces accused those loyal to Haftar of the strike, posting photos of the victims and the wounded on Facebook. However, pro-Haftar forces have not claimed responsibility for the attack. More than 280 civilians and more than 2,000 fighters have been killed since the start of Haftar's assault on Tripoli, according to the United Nations. The fighting has also displaced some 146,000 people. The UN Security Council last month renewed its calls for a ceasefire in Libya, and urged foreign actors to honour an arms embargo on the country -- which Jordan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have regularly violated, according to a confidential UN report seen by AFP.

Libya: At least 28 killed in air strike on military school

Members of the Tobruk-based Libyan House of Representatives HoR voted on January 4 to reject an agreement between the UN-backed Libyan National Accord government of PM Fayez Serraj and Turkish government that would see Turkish troops sent to the country. #WION #Libya #Turkey

East Libya to cut ties with Turkey

At least 30 people were killed and 33 others wounded in an attack on a military academy in the Libyan capital late on Saturday, the health ministry of the Tripoli-based government said in a statement on Sunday.

Tripoli, controlled by the internationally recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-at-least-28-killed-in-air-strike-on-military-school-272169">Government of National Accord</a> (GNA), is facing an offensive by military commander Khalifa Haftar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-send-troops-to-libya-at-tripolis-request-270402">Libyan National Army</a> (LNA) that began in April.

There has been an increase in airstrikes and shelling around Tripoli in recent weeks, with fears that fighting could escalate further after Turkey’s parliament voted to allow a troop deployment in support of the GNA.

Forces allied with the GNA described Saturday’s attack on the military camp at Al-Hadhba as "an aerial bombing" launched by their eastern rivals. An LNA spokesman denied involvement.

GNA Health Minister Hamid bin Omar told media that earlier in a phone call that the number of dead and wounded was still rising. Tripoli ambulance service spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-lock-down-oil-field-call-strike-270855">Osama Ali</a> said some body parts could not be immediately counted by forensic experts.

Earlier, the ambulance service appealed for a temporary ceasefire to allow its crews to retrieve the bodies of five civilians killed on As Sidra Road in southern Tripoli and to evacuate families.

Emergency teams withdrew after coming under fire while trying to access the area on Saturday, it said.

The GNA Foreign Ministry called for referring Haftar and his aides to the International Criminal Court on charges of committing "crimes against humanity", adding that it will call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the alleged crimes.

Qatar, which supports GNA, said on Saturday that the attack "may amount to a war crime and crimes against humanity".

Ankara, which last week passed a bill approving a troop deployment in Libya to support Tripoli, also condemned the attack and said the international community needs to take steps to achieve a ceasefire.

"It is crucial for the international community to urgently take necessary steps to halt external support for the pro-Haftar army and its attacks and establish a ceasefire in Libya," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-send-troops-to-libya-at-tripolis-request-270402">United Nations Support Mission in Libya</a> (UNSMIL) condemned the attack saying that "rising escalation&nbsp;further complicates the situation in Libya and threatens the chances of returning to the political process".

In response to the attack, GNA allied forces have targeted the LNA airbase of Al-Wattia in an airstrike, around 159 km southwest of Tripoli, a spokesman said in a statement.

Two sources in Haftar forces said four fighters were killed in a drone strike early on Sunday.

An increase in airstrikes and shelling in and around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-back-libya-deployment-bill-but-troops-unlikely-for-now-271717">Tripoli</a> has caused the deaths of at least 11 civilians since early December and shut down health facilities and schools, the U.N. mission in Libya said on Friday.

Rockets and shelling also shut down Tripoli’s only functioning airport on Friday.

On Friday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Libya.

He warned that the delivery of foreign support to warring parties would "only deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a peaceful and comprehensive political solution".

The parliament which moved to the east in 2014 voted to provide Haftar with emergency funding on Saturday.

The pro-Haftar chamber also held a series of symbolic votes against the GNA and Turkey, which struck two pacts on maritime boundaries and military cooperation in November.

At least 30 people were killed and 33 others wounded in an attack on a military academy in the Libyan capital late on Saturday, the health ministry of the Tripoli-based government said in a statement on Sunday.

At least 30 people were killed and 33 others wounded in an attack on a military academy in the Libyan capital late on Saturday, the health ministry of the Tripoli-based government said in a statement on Sunday. Tripoli, controlled by the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), is facing an offensive by military commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) that began in April. There has been an increase in airstrikes and shelling around Tripoli in recent weeks, with fears that fighting could escalate further after Turkey’s parliament voted to allow a troop deployment in support of the GNA. Forces allied with the GNA described Saturday’s attack on the military camp at Al-Hadhba as "an aerial bombing" launched by their eastern rivals. An LNA spokesman denied involvement. GNA Health Minister Hamid bin Omar told media that earlier in a phone call that the number of dead and wounded was still rising. Tripoli ambulance service spokesman Osama Ali said some body parts could not be immediately counted by forensic experts. Earlier, the ambulance service appealed for a temporary ceasefire to allow its crews to retrieve the bodies of five civilians killed on As Sidra Road in southern Tripoli and to evacuate families. Emergency teams withdrew after coming under fire while trying to access the area on Saturday, it said. The GNA Foreign Ministry called for referring Haftar and his aides to the International Criminal Court on charges of committing "crimes against humanity", adding that it will call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the alleged crimes. Qatar, which supports GNA, said on Saturday that the attack "may amount to a war crime and crimes against humanity". Ankara, which last week passed a bill approving a troop deployment in Libya to support Tripoli, also condemned the attack and said the international community needs to take steps to achieve a ceasefire. "It is crucial for the international community to urgently take necessary steps to halt external support for the pro-Haftar army and its attacks and establish a ceasefire in Libya," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned the attack saying that "rising escalation further complicates the situation in Libya and threatens the chances of returning to the political process". In response to the attack, GNA allied forces have targeted the LNA airbase of Al-Wattia in an airstrike, around 159 km southwest of Tripoli, a spokesman said in a statement. Two sources in Haftar forces said four fighters were killed in a drone strike early on Sunday. An increase in airstrikes and shelling in and around Tripoli has caused the deaths of at least 11 civilians since early December and shut down health facilities and schools, the U.N. mission in Libya said on Friday. Rockets and shelling also shut down Tripoli’s only functioning airport on Friday. On Friday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Libya. He warned that the delivery of foreign support to warring parties would "only deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a peaceful and comprehensive political solution". The parliament which moved to the east in 2014 voted to provide Haftar with emergency funding on Saturday. The pro-Haftar chamber also held a series of symbolic votes against the GNA and Turkey, which struck two pacts on maritime boundaries and military cooperation in November.

At least 30 people killed in Libya military academy attack in Tripoli

Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar said on January 3 a national war was being fuelled in his country by Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who he called a "deranged Turkish sultan". #WION #Libya #KhalifaHaftar

Libya: Militia group issues call to Jihad

Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that will allow the government to deploy troops to Libya to intervene in the civil war. #Turkey #TurkeyMilitarybill

Turkish parliament passes Libya deployment bill

Turkish lawmakers are set to back a bill on Thursday that allows troop deployment in Tripoli, but that is likely to begin with military support, training and drones in the air rather than boots on the ground.

President Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling party's alliance has a majority but faces opposition to the plan in parliament, said last week Turkey would deploy troops in Libya to support Fayez al-Serraj's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

The GNA has requested Turkish support as it fights off an offensive by General Khalifa Haftar's forces in the country's east that is backed by Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan.

Analysts and officials say Ankara is unlikely to immediately send troops, but rather military advisers and equipment.

A senior Turkish official said last week Turkey may train Libyan soldiers in Turkey, and Reuters reported that Ankara is also considering sending allied Syrian fighters to Tripoli as part of the planned military support.

On Wednesday, Vice President Fuat Oktay said the bill served a symbolic role that Ankara hoped would be a "deterrent" to the parties, and that Turkey may not send troops if Haftar's forces halted their offensive and pulled back.

"The deployment will likely start with military advisers, increased (drones), and special operations that would work with the Libyan military," said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who is chairman of the think-tank Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies.

"The hope would be that the Turkish military may not itself be involved in military action," he said.

Erdogan's ruling AK Party and its nationalist allies are expected to back the legislation on Thursday despite opposition from the other major parties that say military support would cause Libya's conflict to spread across the region and endanger Turkey's safety.

Ankara signed a military cooperation accord with Tripoli in November and has said it would help prevent Libya sliding into "chaos." It is also meant to protect Turkish private investment in Libya and bolster Turkey's offshore energy claims in the Mediterranean.

But it could also put Turkey at odds with the other foreign players in Libya's war and in the region. The Arab League is the latest to warn against the deployment of foreign fighters in the North African country.

"Ankara sees its involvement in Libya as a symbol of its new status as a regional power," said Asli Aydintasbas, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "The idea is, to be at the big table, you need to be present on the ground."

Ankara has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a U.N. report seen by Reuters.

Better drones from Turkey could help the GNA.

The U.N. said Haftar's Chinese-made drones, which were provided by the UAE and have a broad range, flew 800 air strikes until November, while the GNA's Turkish-made drones carried out 200.

Turkish lawmakers are set to back a bill on Thursday that allows troop deployment in Tripoli, but that is likely to begin with military support, training and drones in the air rather than boots on the ground.

Turkish lawmakers are set to back a bill on Thursday that allows troop deployment in Tripoli, but that is likely to begin with military support, training and drones in the air rather than boots on the ground. President Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling party's alliance has a majority but faces opposition to the plan in parliament, said last week Turkey would deploy troops in Libya to support Fayez al-Serraj's internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). The GNA has requested Turkish support as it fights off an offensive by General Khalifa Haftar's forces in the country's east that is backed by Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan. Analysts and officials say Ankara is unlikely to immediately send troops, but rather military advisers and equipment. A senior Turkish official said last week Turkey may train Libyan soldiers in Turkey, and Reuters reported that Ankara is also considering sending allied Syrian fighters to Tripoli as part of the planned military support. On Wednesday, Vice President Fuat Oktay said the bill served a symbolic role that Ankara hoped would be a "deterrent" to the parties, and that Turkey may not send troops if Haftar's forces halted their offensive and pulled back. "The deployment will likely start with military advisers, increased (drones), and special operations that would work with the Libyan military," said Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who is chairman of the think-tank Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies. "The hope would be that the Turkish military may not itself be involved in military action," he said. Erdogan's ruling AK Party and its nationalist allies are expected to back the legislation on Thursday despite opposition from the other major parties that say military support would cause Libya's conflict to spread across the region and endanger Turkey's safety. Ankara signed a military cooperation accord with Tripoli in November and has said it would help prevent Libya sliding into "chaos." It is also meant to protect Turkish private investment in Libya and bolster Turkey's offshore energy claims in the Mediterranean. But it could also put Turkey at odds with the other foreign players in Libya's war and in the region. The Arab League is the latest to warn against the deployment of foreign fighters in the North African country. "Ankara sees its involvement in Libya as a symbol of its new status as a regional power," said Asli Aydintasbas, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "The idea is, to be at the big table, you need to be present on the ground." Ankara has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a U.N. report seen by Reuters. Better drones from Turkey could help the GNA. The U.N. said Haftar's Chinese-made drones, which were provided by the UAE and have a broad range, flew 800 air strikes until November, while the GNA's Turkish-made drones carried out 200.

Turkey to back Libya deployment bill but troops unlikely for now

<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

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tripoli-residents-denounce-trumps-call-to-libyan-commander-haftar-211945">Mismari</a> warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons.

"The civilian status of aircraft is revoked as soon as they are used for military purposes," Mismari told Reuters.

Mismari also said, in a video released on Sunday, that the LNA was extending an ultimatum it had given fighters in Misrata aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord based in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-raids-in-libyan-capital-tripoli-kill-five-wound-ten-sources-265847">Tripoli</a>. They would now have until Wednesday at midnight to withdraw from the city instead of midnight on Sunday.

Withdrawing forces would not be targeted, he said.

The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Haftar, has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal.

Eastern Libyan forces seized a Grenada-flagged ship with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Turkish</a> crew on Saturday off the Libyan coast, a spokesman said, amid rising tensions with Turkey, which supports the rival GNA in Tripoli.

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed Mismari warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons.

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed Mismari warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons. "The civilian status of aircraft is revoked as soon as they are used for military purposes," Mismari told Reuters. Mismari also said, in a video released on Sunday, that the LNA was extending an ultimatum it had given fighters in Misrata aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. They would now have until Wednesday at midnight to withdraw from the city instead of midnight on Sunday. Withdrawing forces would not be targeted, he said. The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Haftar, has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal. Eastern Libyan forces seized a Grenada-flagged ship with a Turkish crew on Saturday off the Libyan coast, a spokesman said, amid rising tensions with Turkey, which supports the rival GNA in Tripoli.

Libyan force warns against transporting military equipment in civilian planes

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

Turkey backs Fayez al-Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been torn by factional conflict since 2011, and has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a report by U.N. experts seen by Reuters last month.

Turkey has also said it could deploy troops to Libya if the GNA makes such a request. The GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces have received support from Russia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey had recently provided "very serious" support to the GNA, adding Libya was a country Turkey would support "with its life".

"They are supporting an illegal warlord, who is the pawn of certain nations, instead of the U.N.-recognised government," Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Haftar and the countries who support him.

"If necessary, we will increase the military aspect of our support to Libya, and evaluate all our options, from the ground, air and sea," he said.

Speaking before Erdogan, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey will stand by Libya's government until peace, stability and security are established in the country.

Maritime accord

Last month, Turkey and the GNA signed an accord to boost military cooperation and a separate deal on maritime boundaries, which has enraged Greece. Ankara and Athens have been at odds over hydrocarbon resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

While Greece has said the accord violates international law, Turkey has rejected those accusations, saying it aims to protect its rights in the eastern Mediterranean. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back from its agreements with Libya.

"Nobody should come to us with attempts to exclude us, trap us in our own shores or steal our economic interests," Erdogan said. "We have no intention of starting conflicts with anyone for no reason, or robbing anyone of their rights," he said.

"Those who oppose us have no sense of rights, law, justice, ethics or mercy," Erdogan said, referring to Greece, Israel and Egypt, who have opposed the maritime accord.

In an interview with Greek daily To Vima on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the accord with Libya was in line with international law, adding Ankara may consider granting exploration licenses in areas determined by Turkey and Libya.

"It would be the exercise of our sovereign rights in our continental shelf in the region," Cavusoglu said. "The exercise of our sovereign rights also and naturally includes our right to deploy research vessels in the area," he was cited as saying.

In a first reaction from the United States on the agreement, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said the maritime accord was "unhelpful" and "provocative."

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month.

Turkey will increase its military support to the internationally recognised government of Libya if necessary and will evaluate ground, air and marine options, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, after the two signed a military cooperation accord last month. Turkey backs Fayez al-Serraj's Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, which has been torn by factional conflict since 2011, and has already sent military supplies to the GNA despite a United Nations arms embargo, according to a report by U.N. experts seen by Reuters last month. Turkey has also said it could deploy troops to Libya if the GNA makes such a request. The GNA has been fighting a months-long offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country. Haftar's forces have received support from Russia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking in the northern province of Kocaeli, Erdogan said Turkey had recently provided "very serious" support to the GNA, adding Libya was a country Turkey would support "with its life". "They are supporting an illegal warlord, who is the pawn of certain nations, instead of the U.N.-recognised government," Erdogan said, in an apparent reference to Haftar and the countries who support him. "If necessary, we will increase the military aspect of our support to Libya, and evaluate all our options, from the ground, air and sea," he said. Speaking before Erdogan, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey will stand by Libya's government until peace, stability and security are established in the country. Maritime accord Last month, Turkey and the GNA signed an accord to boost military cooperation and a separate deal on maritime boundaries, which has enraged Greece. Ankara and Athens have been at odds over hydrocarbon resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus. While Greece has said the accord violates international law, Turkey has rejected those accusations, saying it aims to protect its rights in the eastern Mediterranean. On Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey will "absolutely" not turn back from its agreements with Libya. "Nobody should come to us with attempts to exclude us, trap us in our own shores or steal our economic interests," Erdogan said. "We have no intention of starting conflicts with anyone for no reason, or robbing anyone of their rights," he said. "Those who oppose us have no sense of rights, law, justice, ethics or mercy," Erdogan said, referring to Greece, Israel and Egypt, who have opposed the maritime accord. In an interview with Greek daily To Vima on Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the accord with Libya was in line with international law, adding Ankara may consider granting exploration licenses in areas determined by Turkey and Libya. "It would be the exercise of our sovereign rights in our continental shelf in the region," Cavusoglu said. "The exercise of our sovereign rights also and naturally includes our right to deploy research vessels in the area," he was cited as saying. In a first reaction from the United States on the agreement, a senior US State Department official said the maritime accord was "unhelpful" and "provocative."

Erdogan says Turkey will increase military support to Libya if necessary

The Turkish parliament approved Saturday a security and military cooperation deal with Libya, which will allow Turkey to widen its activities in the north African country.

Ankara signed the agreement with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) just weeks after concluding a controversial deal on maritime jurisdiction.

The north African country has been mired in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

Military strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive in April to seize Tripoli from fighters loyal to the UN-recognised GNA, led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

"The proposal has become law after approval," the parliament said via its official Twitter account. The maritime deal was ratified by lawmakers earlier this month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Ankara is ready to send troops into Libya if requested by Tripoli but the current military agreement would not allow Turkish combatant forces to go to Libya.

But it would allow both sides to send military personnel and police to each others' countries for training and education purposes, senior Turkish officials say.

For the Turkish government to deploy combat troops to Libya would require a separate mandate from parliament, as it does to send forces to Iraq and Syria each year.

The latest Turkey-Libya memorandum of understanding also covers increased cooperation in the fields of intelligence, terrorism, the defence industry and migration.

Their close relationship comes despite calls from the Arab League, of which Libya is a member, to end cooperation with Turkey following the Turkish military operation against Syrian Kurdish forces in October.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE support Hafta and they all have tense or limited relations with Turkey and another GNA backer, Qatar.

The GNA approved the deal on Thursday and the next day, Tripoli urged five "friendly countries" to implement military deals to help it repel Haftar's forces.

Sarraj sent letters to Algeria, Britain, Italy, Turkey and the United States.

The Turkish parliament approved Saturday a security and military cooperation deal with Libya, which will allow Turkey to widen its activities in the north African country.

The Turkish parliament approved Saturday a security and military cooperation deal with Libya, which will allow Turkey to widen its activities in the north African country. Ankara signed the agreement with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) just weeks after concluding a controversial deal on maritime jurisdiction. The north African country has been mired in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising ousted and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Military strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive in April to seize Tripoli from fighters loyal to the UN-recognised GNA, led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. "The proposal has become law after approval," the parliament said via its official Twitter account. The maritime deal was ratified by lawmakers earlier this month. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Ankara is ready to send troops into Libya if requested by Tripoli but the current military agreement would not allow Turkish combatant forces to go to Libya. But it would allow both sides to send military personnel and police to each others' countries for training and education purposes, senior Turkish officials say. For the Turkish government to deploy combat troops to Libya would require a separate mandate from parliament, as it does to send forces to Iraq and Syria each year. The latest Turkey-Libya memorandum of understanding also covers increased cooperation in the fields of intelligence, terrorism, the defence industry and migration. Their close relationship comes despite calls from the Arab League, of which Libya is a member, to end cooperation with Turkey following the Turkish military operation against Syrian Kurdish forces in October. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE support Hafta and they all have tense or limited relations with Turkey and another GNA backer, Qatar. The GNA approved the deal on Thursday and the next day, Tripoli urged five "friendly countries" to implement military deals to help it repel Haftar's forces. Sarraj sent letters to Algeria, Britain, Italy, Turkey and the United States.

Turkey parliament approves Libya military deal

Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Last month, Turkey and Libya's internationally recognised government signed accords on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-libya-sign-deal-on-maritime-zones-in-the-mediterranean-265082">maritime boundaries</a>, which enraged Greece. Ankara says it may <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-send-troops-to-back-libya-unity-government-turkey-267502">send troops to Libya</a>, which has been divided into rival political factions since 2014 if the Tripoli-based government requests it.

"We will speed up the process between Turkey and Libya. We told them that we are always ready to help if they need it. From military and security cooperation to steps taken regarding our maritime rights: we are ready,"&nbsp;Erdogan told reporters in Geneva after a forum on migration.

&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;Erdogan slams Macron over NATO remarks

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Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. Last month, Turkey and Libya's internationally recognised government signed accords on maritime boundaries, which enraged Greece. Ankara says it may send troops to Libya, which has been divided into rival political factions since 2014 if the Tripoli-based government requests it. "We will speed up the process between Turkey and Libya. We told them that we are always ready to help if they need it. From military and security cooperation to steps taken regarding our maritime rights: we are ready," Erdogan told reporters in Geneva after a forum on migration. WATCH: Erdogan slams Macron over NATO remarks ×

Will speed up cooperation between Turkey and Libya: Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-reach-deal-on-massive-defense-bill-eye-russia-turkey-china-267336">ready to send troops</a> to Libya if requested by the internationally recognised government in Tripoli.&nbsp;

"On the issue of sending soldiers... If Libya makes such a request from us, we can send our personnel there, especially after striking the military security agreement," he said in a televised appearance.&nbsp;

Turkey signed a military agreement last month with Libya's Government of National Accord, led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.&nbsp;

It came after media reports that Russia had sent 200 mercenaries to support Libya's military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is seeking to unseat the Tripoli-based government.&nbsp;

Russia has denied the reports, but Erdogan said: "There is a security company from Russia (in Libya) called Wagner. This company sent its security staff there."

The Wagner Group is a shadowy private security firm and thousands of its security contractors are believed to be in foreign conflicts from Syria to Ukraine to the Central African Republic.&nbsp;

At the same time as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-turkey-working-on-new-s-400-missile-contract-sources-266609">military deal</a>, Turkey also signed a controversial maritime jurisdiction agreement with Sarraj, giving sweeping rights for Turkey to explore for oil in the Mediterranean.&nbsp;

"With the new line drawn (by the maritime agreement), we will take steps to protect the interests of Libya, Turkey and the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). This is in line with international law," he said. &nbsp;

The deal has been staunchly opposed by Greece, Cyprus and their European partners which says it violates the islands' maritime rights.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday he was ready to send troops to Libya if requested by the internationally recognised government in Tripoli. "On the issue of sending soldiers.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday he was ready to send troops to Libya if requested by the internationally recognised government in Tripoli. "On the issue of sending soldiers... If Libya makes such a request from us, we can send our personnel there, especially after striking the military security agreement," he said in a televised appearance. Turkey signed a military agreement last month with Libya's Government of National Accord, led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. It came after media reports that Russia had sent 200 mercenaries to support Libya's military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is seeking to unseat the Tripoli-based government. Russia has denied the reports, but Erdogan said: "There is a security company from Russia (in Libya) called Wagner. This company sent its security staff there." The Wagner Group is a shadowy private security firm and thousands of its security contractors are believed to be in foreign conflicts from Syria to Ukraine to the Central African Republic. At the same time as the military deal, Turkey also signed a controversial maritime jurisdiction agreement with Sarraj, giving sweeping rights for Turkey to explore for oil in the Mediterranean. "With the new line drawn (by the maritime agreement), we will take steps to protect the interests of Libya, Turkey and the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). This is in line with international law," he said. The deal has been staunchly opposed by Greece, Cyprus and their European partners which says it violates the islands' maritime rights.

Ready to send troops to back Libya unity government: Turkey

The US military believes that an unarmed American drone reported lost near Libya's capital last month was in fact shot down by Russian air defences and it is demanding the return of the aircraft's wreckage, US Africa Command says.

The US military believes that an unarmed American drone reported lost near Libya's capital last month was in fact shot down by Russian air defences and it is demanding the return of the aircraft's wreckage, US Africa Command says. Such a shootdown would underscore Moscow's increasingly muscular role in the energy-rich nation, where Russian mercenaries are reportedly intervening on behalf of east Libya-based commander Khalifa Haftar in Libya's civil war. Haftar has sought to take the capital Tripoli, now held by Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). US Army General Stephen Townsend, who leads Africa command, said he believed the operators of the air defences at the time "didn't know it was the US remotely piloted aircraft when they fired on it." "But they certainly know who it belongs to now and they are refusing to return it. They say they don't know where it is but I am not buying it," Townsend told in a statement, without elaborating. The US assessment, which has not been previously disclosed, concludes that either Russian private military contractors or Haftar's so-called Libyan National Army were operating the air defences at the time the drone was reported lost on November 21, said Africa Command spokesman Air Force Colonel Christopher Karns. Karns said the United States believed the air defence operators fired on the US aircraft after "mistaking it for an opposition" drone. An official in Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) told that Russian mercenaries appeared to be responsible. Russian authorities deny using military contractors in any foreign military theatre and say any Russian civilians who may be fighting abroad are volunteers. The LNA denies it has foreign backing. One current and one former Russian contractor told Reuters that since September the LNA had received ground support from several hundred private military contractors from a Russian group. Military officials linked to the GNA and Western diplomats have also confirmed the presence of Russian contractors in Libya.

US says drone shot down by Russian air defences near Libyan capital

<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

Malta's armed forces have started cooperating with Libya's coastguard to turn back migrant boats heading into Malta's search and rescue zone, a newspaper reported on Sunday, citing a secret government deal.

The government declined to comment directly on the report in the Sunday Times of Malta, but told Reuters the Mediterranean state had been working with the Libyan coastguard for many years and always operated within the law.

Under the terms of the deal, when a migrant boat is spotted sailing towards Malta, the island's armed forces seek the intervention of the Libyan coastguard to intercept them before they enter Malta's territorial waters, the paper said.

Non-governmental organisations have denounced previous deals by which Italy has directed the Libyan coastguard to pick up migrant boats in Libyan territorial waters, saying refugees face torture and abuse in the lawless North African country.

The Malta deal appears to go a step further by encouraging the Libyan coastguard to intervene beyond its own coastal waters, which extend some 22.2 km&nbsp;from its shore, and into the broad search-and-rescue zone operated by Malta.

"Search and rescue areas are not areas where the coastal state exercises sovereignty or has jurisdiction, but areas forming part of high seas where foreign military assets have every right to investigate any illegal activity departing from their coast," the Maltese government said.

Malta has taken in several hundred migrants in recent months, but almost always from charity rescue ships that had picked them up in the central Mediterranean. There have been few reports of migrant boats reaching the island autonomously.

In a sign of growing cooperation between Valletta and the Tripoli-based Libyan government, Malta seized in September a shipment of unofficial Libyan currency believed to have been destined for rebel military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

Two containers packed full of the recently introduced currency, printed in Russia, were discovered when the ship carrying the money stopped in Malta, local media reported earlier this month.

The Customs Department did not announce the find at the time and has made no subsequent comment on the operation.

Malta's armed forces have started cooperating with Libya's coastguard to turn back migrant boats heading into Malta's search and rescue zone, a newspaper reported on Sunday, citing a secret government deal.

Malta's armed forces have started cooperating with Libya's coastguard to turn back migrant boats heading into Malta's search and rescue zone, a newspaper reported on Sunday, citing a secret government deal. The government declined to comment directly on the report in the Sunday Times of Malta, but told Reuters the Mediterranean state had been working with the Libyan coastguard for many years and always operated within the law. Under the terms of the deal, when a migrant boat is spotted sailing towards Malta, the island's armed forces seek the intervention of the Libyan coastguard to intercept them before they enter Malta's territorial waters, the paper said. Non-governmental organisations have denounced previous deals by which Italy has directed the Libyan coastguard to pick up migrant boats in Libyan territorial waters, saying refugees face torture and abuse in the lawless North African country. The Malta deal appears to go a step further by encouraging the Libyan coastguard to intervene beyond its own coastal waters, which extend some 22.2 km from its shore, and into the broad search-and-rescue zone operated by Malta. "Search and rescue areas are not areas where the coastal state exercises sovereignty or has jurisdiction, but areas forming part of high seas where foreign military assets have every right to investigate any illegal activity departing from their coast," the Maltese government said. Malta has taken in several hundred migrants in recent months, but almost always from charity rescue ships that had picked them up in the central Mediterranean. There have been few reports of migrant boats reaching the island autonomously. In a sign of growing cooperation between Valletta and the Tripoli-based Libyan government, Malta seized in September a shipment of unofficial Libyan currency believed to have been destined for rebel military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Two containers packed full of the recently introduced currency, printed in Russia, were discovered when the ship carrying the money stopped in Malta, local media reported earlier this month. The Customs Department did not announce the find at the time and has made no subsequent comment on the operation.

Malta has deal with Libya coastguard over migrant interceptions: Report

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