Libya is facing the prospects of a protracted civil war as forces from the country’s east loyal to former army commander Khalifa Haftar began a battle to take the country’s capital city of Tripoli overthrowing the internationally recognised Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister Fayez Al Seraj. Qatar joined the international community to emphatically condemn the military action by Haftar forces and called on the countries who are supporting the divisive forces to immediately end their support to those who try to overthrow a legitimate government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that there are some countries who want to undermine international will and violate international laws to impose a new reality by force in Libya. During a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks by Haftar forces on Tripoli and added that those who support Haftar are partners in what is happening in Libya. He criticised the double standards of some countries which support Haftar and at the same time issue joint statements of condemnation of what his forces are doing saying: “This is a double standard that some countries adopt which we do not understand and which is surprising as the Libya is governed by the national reconciliation government which is recognised by the international community in accordance with Security Council decisions.”
H E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to adopt a firm stance against these violations of international laws in Libya and all regional issues.
The state of Qatar has been at the forefront of countries supportive to the Libyan people since the beginning of the revolution in 2011, which resulted in the ouster of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The statement by H E the Deputy Prime Minister reiterates once again Qatar’s support for Libya’s unity, security and stability and the state’s desire for a political agreement by the Libyan parties.
The fighting has forced the postponement of an international peace conference scheduled for April 14 to reconcile feuding factions, dealing a major blow to UN efforts to heal rifts that are threatening to plunge the country back into civil war. Qatar is well aware that the region, which is already reeling under conflicts, cannot afford any more civil strife. The state will leave no stone unturned in its quest to bring peace and security in the region and across the world. Qatar’s powerful diplomacy had been successful in finding amicable solutions to various regional issues and the country will continue to play its role as peacemaker on the world stage.e
