The general leader of the Libyan National Army, Marshal Khalifa Hafter said that, Libya now is more stable and secure as they managed to control 97% of the Libyan lands that were controlled by extremists, especially “Daesh”. Everyone including the International Community is now full aware of the Libyan Army’s role in maintaining unity and securing the country.
During an interview with “Arab Today” he said that, they are hindered by the embargo imposed on us by the international community regarding weapons to fight “Daesh”, while more than 50 countries are arming themselves with weapons to fight the same fight. It is unfair that armed groups and organizations have weapons illegally and with support from foreign countries, while the Security Council insists on its stand against the Libyan Army whose entire structure of tanks, artillery and aircrafts were destroyed in February 2011. Hafter hopes that the council will lift its embargo so that deals can be made to improve the army and to supply it with weapons and modern equipment.
He praised Cairo role in lifting this embargo saying that, Egypt has supported Libya from the beginning to restore security and stability and tries its best to mend the relations between Libya and neighboring countries through the meetings held on its soil. This role derives from its regional and international status and its wish to end the Libyan crisis as it will also reflect good on Egypt.
He said there are no fears from the spread of extremist elements in Egypt, as the Egyptian Armed Forces are taking all precautions on the borders, and the Libyan Army is also helping securing them as it has at least 3 battalions working and coordinating with the Egyptian forces to secure these borders.
They managed to stop dozens who were trying to smuggle weapons inside Egypt such as, Grad rockets, AK47 and FN guns and artillery ammunition.
He lashed against Turkey and Qatar, saying that there will be consequences for their support to the extremist elements for their own agendas when Libya recovers and elect new president, adding that, he will be fully prepared if the Libyan people asked him to participate in the presidential elections.