The Libyan Parliament reiterated its support for the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's speech over the unity of national security of the two countries in light of the Turkish threats to invade eastern Libya and, thus posing a threat to Egypt's western borders.
In a statement, the Libyan House of Representatives has mandated the Egyptian armed forces to intervene to protect Libyan and Egyptian national security, if required.
The Parliament's announcement comes hours after Turkey threatened to launch a military operation against the Libyan cities of Sirte and Jufra.
The Libyan parliament statement is as follows:
"In light of the blatant Turkish interference and the violation of Libyan sovereignty by militias aligned with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the country's western region, we welcome the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's speech and call for concerted efforts between the two brotherly countries to ensure the defeat of the invading Turks, preserve our common national security, and to achieve security and stability in our country and the whole region."
"The Arab Republic of Egypt represents a strategic depth to Libya at security, economic and social levels throughout history, especially in light of the direct threats posed by the Turkish occupation to our country and our neighboring countries, notably Egypt."
"The Egyptian armed forces have the right to intervene to protect the Libyan and Egyptian national security if there is imminent threat to the security of our two countries."
Notably, Egypt's President said that any direct Egyptian intervention in Libya would have international legitimacy at this point.
The president made the statement in a televised speech while inspecting Egypt's Western Military Zone accompanied by the heads and elders of Libyan tribes, Egyptian Minister of Defence and General Commander of the Armed Forces Mohamed Zaki, Chief-of-Staff Mohamed Farid, as well as leaders of the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces.
El-Sisi explained that any intervention in Libya by Egyptian forces "would be led by the Libyan tribes," and stressed that "we only aspire for stability in Libya."
He emphasized that Egypt has no ambitions in Libya, and only wishes to restore security and stability in the country.
"We will not be invaders… we only want a stable, safe and developed Libya."
"We call on the Libyan parties to respect the current lines and start negotiations," El-Sisi said, adding that "Libya's Sirte and Al-Jufra are considered the red line for Egyptian national security."
The president said that Egypt has called for a comprehensive settlement in Libya that involves the elimination of terrorist militias and has participated in Libya-related international conferences and supported crisis-resolution efforts.
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