TRIPOLI

Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) on Monday decried recent remarks by the Egyptian president on its sovereignty. 

On Thursday, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi accused the GNA of "not having a free will" and of being taken "a hostage by terrorist militias."

The GNA said it "understands the Egyptian state's right to attain its national security, yet, it does not accept any threat to Libya’s national sovereignty."

It went on to stress its legitimacy in carrying out its work, the independence of its decisions and its authority over all institutions.

The GNA called on Egypt to review their position on the Libyan crisis and support stability and civil peace in Libya, instead of supporting forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya.

Libya has remained beset by turmoil since 2011 when a bloody NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and death of long-serving President Muammar Gaddafi after more than four decades in power.