Libya’s GNA calls Egypt’s threat declaration of war

Government of National Accord has on Sunday 21 June 2020 labeled Egypt’s threat of military intervention as a “declaration of war” following President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s warning on Saturday against pro-GNA forces advancing to the city of Sirte, east of Tripoli.

The GNA said that Egypt’s warning of military intervention was an interference in the internal affairs of Libya.

Condemning the Egypt’s move, the GNA said in a statement, “This is a hostile act, direct interference and amounts to a declaration of war.”

“Interference in its internal affairs, attacks on its sovereignty, whether by declarations… like those of the Egyptian president or by support for putschists, militias and mercenaries, is unacceptable,” said GNA.

Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, gave a warning on Saturday that Cairo might be provoked to intervene if the pro-GNA advanced on the city of Sirte which is about 450km east of Tripoli.

The trade of words comes a day preceding the Arab League foreign ministers’ meeting on Libya scheduled to hold today Monday. The GNA has however refused to participate in the meeting.

In a move to find an international approach to easing the escalation, the GNA has sought international community’s involvement in the situation.

It asked the international community under the aegis of the UN to take action and mediate without all sense of impartiality.

The GNA said it would not accept any unilateral or extrajudicial initiatives in approaching the issues.

It was reported that threats issued by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have been ignored by GNA.

Speaking about it, Traina said, “A GNA military commander we spoke to earlier said their forces are adamant and that they will enter Sirte. It’s important to note that these are forces that know the territory well.”

However, Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s Foreign Minister said that the GNA had misinterpreted the remarks made by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi saying that Egypt intends to use political solution to address the conflict.

Meanwhile, el-Sisi said on Saturday in a television broadcast that Sirte and Al-Jufra represent red lines and that Egypt would have to intervene if those lines are crossed.
The GNA responded saying that “All of Libya is a red line.”

“Whatever the dispute between Libyans, we will not allow our people to be insulted or threatened,” GNA warned.