PARIS: The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Haftar is backed by the UAE, Egypt and Russia, which have also been accused by the UN of breaking the embargo. France has itself faced criticism for its ambiguity with regard to Haftar, having previously backed him in the fight against Islamist militants. Saturday’s joint statement was the first time the three major powers had threatened sanctions amid fears of a new escalation on the ground. “We share serious concerns about the mounting military tensions in this country and the increased risk of regional escalation,” they said.

Source: Libya Today July 18, 2020 20:03 UTC