Diplomat Says Turkish Presence Threatens North Africa

Former Egyptian ambassador to Libya Hany Khallaf said on Monday that the Turkish presence in Libya represents a danger for North Africa.

In his interview on the Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath channel, the former ambassador to Libya said that the Turkish appearance, through written arrangements between the Government of National Accord (GNA) and Ankara, prompted Egypt to send a delegation to Libya..

Regarding the indications of Turkey's naval maneuvers in the Mediterranean waters off Libya, he said: “It has dangerous connotations that need to be followed up. Ankara announces through it that it is present and intends to stay in Libya, and this represents a danger to Egypt, Tunisia, and the North African region.”

Khallaf stressed the importance of restoring Cairo-Tripoli communication at the present time. He added that the visit of an Egyptian delegation to the Libyan capital represented the will of cooperation.

Khallaf pointed out that there is a need for Cairo to communicate with politicians in Tripoli, which has been cut off for a long time.

Khallaf added: "There is an Egyptian desire to move this matter, in light of the escalating Turkish presence." He pointed out that Cairo wants to push the Libyans to reach a self-settlement.