Paris: United Nations-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) head Fayez Sarraj is slated to hold dialogues with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, on Wednesday in a bid to receive support in the European Union (EU) against Khalifa Haftar’s offensive.
Since the death of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been divided into two sectors. The Libyan National Army (LNA) backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the United Nations-backed interim GNA (Government of National Accord) holds control over the western region on Libya from Tripoli.
Earlier in April, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the head of Libyan National Army (LNA), launched his offensive to gain control over Tripoli which the GNA controls. Around 400 people have lost their lives with more than thousands been displaced as GNA and LNA’s forces clashed in the capital, Tripoli, according to ANI news reports.
While the United States supports the UN-backed interim GNA led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, the American military officers and diplomats maintain contacts with Russia-backed Haftar LNA.
The White House has, on April 20, said US President Donald Trump has held a telephonic conversation with Libyan commander Haftar on Monday, where both leaders discussed ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Sarraj’s latest approach is part of his official visit to major European states to gather their support as the country continues to face war.