Sefa Mutlu
12 January 2020•Update: 13 January 2020
ISTANBUL
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed recent developments in Libya over the phone, an official statement said on Sunday.
The statement issued by Turkey’s Directorate of Communications said the two leaders also discussed the regional developments.
On Saturday, the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and forces loyal to Libya's renegade Gen. Khalifa Haftar accepted a joint call by Turkey and Russia for a cease-fire .
The cease-fire took effect at midnight local time (2200GMT) and the decision was celebrated with fireworks in Tripoli.
Since the ouster of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and the other in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.
On April 4, Haftar launched an offensive to capture Tripoli from the GNA. According to the UN, more than 1,000 people have been killed since the start of the operation and more than 5,000 others injured.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar
