On Thursday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, said that there is no real value for celebrating independence, freedom, security, or peace, as long as Turkish forces are still desecrating Libyan soil.
During his speech to mark celebration on the 69th anniversary of Libya’s Independence Day, Haftar said that the colonizing enemy, in reference to Turkey, has one of two choices: either to leave peacefully or to be driven out by force.
Haftar’s comments came in response to the Turkish parliament’s decision to extend its troop deployment in Libya for a further 18 months.
He also threatened to use force against Turkish troops if Ankara does not end its interference in the North African country. “We will carry weapons to bring about peace with our own hands and our free will,” he stated.
The LNA Commander indicated that LNA forces are committed to peace and have positively responded to the international community’s calls for a ceasefire. It took into account the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people to live in peace and end the conflict.
He also called on LNA forces, and citizens to remain on high alert to fight Turkey, who he accused of attempting to spoil the peace process
He stressed that a decisive confrontation against the “Turkish invaders” is looming, especially in light of the recent mobilization by Government of National Accord (GNA) aligned militias near the ceasefire lines.
Field Marshal Haftar explained that all these indications reflect Turkey’s insistence on war to achieve its expansionist dreams and assume control over Libyan oil.
The Turkish parliamentary decision came about on Tuesday, despite Libya’s UN-brokered ceasefire declared in October. The agreement envisioned the departure of all foreign forces and mercenaries within three months.