On Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA), Ahmed Al-Mismari, revealed that the army was committed to the ceasefire, in accordance with the Cairo Declaration.
According to Italian news agency Nova, Al-Mismari said that the LNA “always seeks peace and security to achieve the Libyan dream of finding a state free of terrorism. The battle has begun to move from the battlefield to the negotiation arena… Armed operations have stopped since June 8th, in all fighting axes,” he clarified.
He continued, “We are committed, and we have kept the ceasefire until now. Unfortunately, the other side is taking advantage of this stage, and reinforcing its forces.”
The spokesperson stressed that Turkey was strengthening its presence in Libya. It is now controlling more ports and airports, as well as continuing to transport mercenaries. He pointed out that the mercenaries who are transferred to Libya from Syria, and other countries are dangerous terrorists, trained to fight in various territories.
Al-Mismari said, “We confirm on more than one occasion, that the enemy is benefiting from the ceasefire. The international community is turning a blind eye.”
Regarding the ongoing consultations in Morocco, the LNA spokesman said, “The General Command of the Armed Forces has not issued any statement regarding what is happening in Morocco. We always strive to establish security and peace.”
Libya’s two rival governments announced an immediate ceasefire, across the whole country on the 21st August. This comes after nine years of conflict in Libya. The current dispute pits the UN-recognised and Turkey-backed government in Tripoli against the rival authorities based in the east and backed by the French, Russians, Egyptians and Emiratis.
The Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Fayez Al-Sarraj, called for the demilitarisation of the contested town of Sirte. In a separate statement, Ageela Saleh, speaker of the rival east-based Parliament, also called for a ceasefire.