Libyan government slams ‘hostile’ UAE for hosting rebel
Libya’s internationally-recognized government has criticized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting a member of renegade Libyan general Khalifa Haftar’s forces, denouncing the Arab country’s position as “hostile.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) condemned the “hostile position of the United Arab Emirates,” which has allowed Abu Dhabi to be used as “a media platform for militias attacking the Libyan capital.”
Haftar ordered militia groups loyal to him to invade Tripoli in an unsuccessful attempt to seize it on April 4. Almost five months after launching the offensive, the rebel forces remain bogged down on the Libyan capital’s southern outskirts.
On Saturday, Haftar’s forces rejected a United Nations (UN) call to return to the negotiating table with the government, calling war “the best solution.”
In its Sunday statement, the Libyan government said the UAE was hosting to a “militiaman” and “mouthpiece” for Haftar, “who supports a military regime and rejects a civil and democratic state” in Libya.
The UAE is one of Haftar's foreign backers, providing him with weapons and funds.
According to the latest figures by the World Health Organization (WHO), the fighting around Tripoli has killed at least 1,093 people and wounded 5,752 other, while some 120,000 people have been displaced.
Haftar is also given support by Saudi Arabia.
Libya has been wracked by chaos since a 2011 uprising and an ensuing NATO intervention, in which longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi was killed.
Haftar’s offensive has exacerbated the crisis, threatening to plunge the country into a full-blown civil war.
Iran refutes Kuwait’s assertion of exclusive rights to Arash gas field
Qatar says reassessing role as mediator in Gaza truce talks
Qatar, Kuwait ban use of air bases, airspace for attack on Iran
It could take 14 years to remove debris left by Israel war on Gaza: UN
Iran, China discuss military cooperation
Sanders to Netanyahu: 'Don’t insult American people’s intelligence'
Tehran economic conference: Raeisi hails Iran-Africa expansion of ties
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Severe heat wave hits India as phase 2 of polling begins
What to expect after President Raeisi's visit to Pakistan
China describes Iran as ‘strategic partner' in West Asia
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
