The visit to Ankara last Sunday by the Libyan Defense Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) has sparked a strong reaction in the Libyan east, which accuses Turkey of seeking to derail the Geneva political agreement. According to a statement by the Turkish Defense Ministry, the meeting between the two counterparts aims to further develop strategic and military coordination between the two sides. Last December, during a visit to Tripoli, Hulusi Akar, the Turkish Defense Minister, raised his voice against Marshal Haftar and his troops. Prior to his visit to Turkey, the Libyan Defense Minister said that the GNA was committed to its agreements with Turkey, which is in total contradiction with the Geneva Agreement. Yet, the Turkish Parliament voted a week ago the renewal of the mission of Turkish soldiers in Libya for 18 months.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 12, 2021 10:52 UTC