Libya

Turkey has slammed an attack by General Khalifa Haftar forces against a military academy in Tripoli, which claimed the lives of at least 30 academy students, and renewed its calls on the cessation of foreign military support to Haftar.

Libya's eastern-based parliament has voted to reject the agreements signed between the country's internationally-recognized government and Turkey on maritime rights in the Mediterranean and military cooperation, Egypt Today reports.

The head of the U.N. on Jan. 4 urged an "immediate ceasefire" in war-weary Libya where the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) fights forces affiliated with Gen. Khalifa Haftar.

Turkey's military deployment in Libya sends a message that it will protect its interests and Libya's amid efforts to exclude Ankara from developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, an expert said on Jan. 3.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called again for an immediate cease-fire in Libya and a return to talks by all the warring parties.

The UN chief warned in a statement from his deputy spokesman that "any foreign support to the warring parties will only deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a peaceful and comprehensive political solution."

The European Union has expressed its "strong concern" over a vote by Turkey's parliament vote to allow a troop deployment to Libya.

Egypt strongly condemned on Thursday a vote by Turkey's parliament vote to allow a troop deployment to Libya, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Egypt said any such deployment could "negatively affect the stability of the Mediterranean region" and called on the international community to urgently respond to the move. [Reuters]

Libya's High Council of State welcomed the passage of a motion by Turkey's parliament on sending troops to Libya.

The council's statement followed a request by the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) for help.

Turkey's parliament has authorized sending troops to Libya to help the UN-supported government in Tripoli battle forces loyal to a rival government.
Turkish lawmakers voted 325-184 at an emergency session on Thursday in favor of allowing a one-year mandate to deploy troops.

The Arab League remains silent, unable to demonstrate determination in support of the legitimate government in Libya, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Dec. 31.

Turkey has long supported a political settlement in Libya and an end to attacks and the establishment of a complete ceasefire among the warring sides, spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a statement.