Turkish defence chief urges 'immediate' end to Haftar support in Libya

Turkey on Monday urged an "immediate" end to the support for putschist general Khalifa Haftar in Libya after trilateral talks held in Ankara between Libyan, Maltese and Turkish officials.

Turkey earlier this year stepped up its support for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) after Haftar launched an offensive in April 2019 to seize the capital.

Haftar is backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates -- countries with whom Turkey's relations are strained -- as well as Russia.

"It is essential that all kind of help and support given to putschist Haftar, which prohibits ensuring Libya's peace, tranquility, security and territorial integrity, ends immediately," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said.

His comments came after a meeting with the interior ministers of Libya and Malta at the defence ministry in the Turkish capital.

Haftar's backers should "stop supporting an unrealistic and wrong project," GNA Interior Minister Fathi Bashaga said, according to a Turkish defence ministry translation.

"The international community should prioritise the preservation of a united Libya," Malta's Interior Minister Byron Camilleri said, joined by Akar and Bashaga.

PEACE PUSH FOR LIBYA TO BE MODEL FOR WORLD

Turkey's defense minister said his meetings with top Maltese and Libyan officials had been fruitful, adding that their efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Mediterranean region would set an example for the whole world.
The trio discussed regional developments and bilateral issues, and all sides had a "sincere" exchange of views, said Akar.
"We held a highly positive, productive and constructive meeting," Akar said, including such issues as the fight against trafficking, irregular migration, regional security, and peace.
Akar went on to say that the countries' collaboration would significantly promote regional stability, help practice upcoming measures more effectively, and lead to important gains for both countries and the region.

Libya and the Mediterranean island of Malta are separated by only about 357 kilometers (222 miles).
Emphasizing that all participants at the meeting were on the same page on many important issues, both in two- and three-way meetings, Akar said: "I see that we agreed to continue the coordination between our countries in the coming days for the sake of regional peace and tranquility."

"TURKEY STANDS BY ITS LIBYAN BROTHERS"

Stating that Turkey's responsibilities in the international arena have gradually grown, he went on to say that Turkish contributions to stability and security have begun to bear fruit.
Turkish activities in Libya were carried out as part of its agreements last November with the UN-recognized Libyan administration based in the capital Tripoli, also known as the Government of National Accord (GNA).
"Our military training, cooperation, and consultancy activities continue [in Libya]," he said, adding that Turkey's approach to the war-torn country is based on the principle of "Libya belongs to the Libyans."
"I want everyone to know that we always stand by our Libyan brothers. Our goal is that Libya lives in peace, tranquility, and security," said Akar.
Underlining that Turkey has deep historical ties with both Malta and Libya, Akar thanked Malta for their "determined and constructive" approach towards finding a political solution for Libya's woes.
Libya has been torn by a civil war since the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Its new government, headed by premier Fayez al-Sarraj, was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement.
Efforts for a long-term political settlement, however, have so far failed due to an ongoing military offensive by warlord Khalifa Haftar.

In recent months, the Libyan Army has made significant gains against Haftar.