AFP |Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is leading a military offensive against the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, rejected a ceasefire requested by French President Emmanuel Macron during talks in Paris, an Elysee official said Wednesday. However, the official added that Haftar has not indicated when he will exhibit the willingness to hold dialogue focused on ending the bloody conflict. Both Macron and Conte had already met recently with Sarraj, who has accused Paris of supporting Haftar and tacitly backing his assault on Tripoli, claims denied by French officials. Reuters reported that the official said that during his meeting with Macron, Haftar denied accusations that he and his army, or supporters, were reaping benefits of oil sales from Eastern Libya. Both Macron and Conte had already met recently with Sarraj, who has accused Paris of supporting Haftar and tacitly backing his assault on Tripoli, claims denied by French officials.

Source: Libya Today May 23, 2019 08:04 UTC