La Stampa: France backs up Haftar and Italy supports legitimacy in Libya

BY Libyan Express Jul 02, 2018 - 21:09

Such a support given by France to Haftar deepens the chasm between the western and eastern rivals in Libya and thus adds to the dispute between Rome and Paris.

Italian newspaper La Stampa said a game between France and Italy is being played on Libyan soil, adding that the game is being fueled by the illegal immigration crisis.

La Stampa added that the quick operations Khalifa Haftar is conducting in Derna and at the oil crescent region and then the handover of the oil ports to the parallel National Oil Corporation in east Libya add to this argument and explain the clandestine deals done under the table in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron held a conference on May 29 for the Libyan rivals to agree on upcoming elections in the country.

Such a support given by France to Haftar deepens the chasm between the western and eastern rivals in Libya and thus adds to the dispute between Rome and Paris.

“So it is a match being played between France and Italy and Libya is the host. Libya is the country where hundreds of migrants are crossing the sea to reach Italy and if Haftar controlled Libya, then it would be a national security threat.” The newspaper added.

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