PARIS, France (Reuters) – The United Nations envoy for Libya on Monday warned countries tempted to continue backing eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar that he was no democrat and his political agenda was not supported by most Libyans. France has along with the United States been accused in Tripoli of playing both sides since Haftar launched his offensive. Paris has supported Haftar in his efforts to fight Islamist militants in Libya in the past, while at the same time officially backs the UN-recognized government. The statement was eventually approved after additions and a rewording of the text, although it remained critical of Haftar’s advance. “We cannot ignore the General Haftar phenomenon, but one must not go so far as to adopt his political project entirely because his political project is a project which does not suit a good part of the Libyan population,” Salame said.

Source: Egypt Independent April 29, 2019 12:00 UTC