Thousands rally in support of rogue Libyan general, Khalifa Haftar

 TRIPOLI: Thousands of demonstrators rallied on Friday in support of a rogue former general whose forces have launched a "dignity" campaign to crush jihadist militias in eastern Libya.

Ex-general Khalifa Haftar has garnered growing support amid frustration at the lawlessness in Libya three years after the overthrow of dictator Moamar Gaddafi.

"Yes to dignity," read banners carried by demonstrators at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli.

Thousands more pro-Haftar demonstrators gathered outside Tibesti Hotel in the eastern city of Benghazi, a stronghold of the Islamists, and in Baida, further east.

"Yes to the army, yes to the police," their banners read. "No to militias, Libya will not become another Afghanistan."

On Wednesday, Haftar warned that Libya has become a "terrorist hub" and called for the formation of an emergency cabinet and for legislative elections to be held.

• His forces launched an assault against jihadists on May 16 in the Mediterranean city of Benghazi, birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Gaddafi, in which at least 79 people were reported killed.

That prompted the government to brand him an outlaw and claim he was attempting a coup.

But Haftar insists he has no interest in power, just an end to the Islamist-dominated General National Congress (GNC), or interim parliament.

On Sunday, forces that support Haftar attacked and set fire to part of the GNC building in Tripoli.

Libya's interim authorities have since set elections for June 25. Voicing alarm over the chaos and violence a month before elections, Western powers on Friday issued a joint appeal for a peaceful transition in the North African nation.

Britain, France and the United States— the three powers who led the Nato-backed attacks that ousted Gaddafi — urged a "peaceful and democratic" transition, in a statement also signed by Germany, Italy and the EU.

• The western powers, "deeply concerned by the repeated acts of violence, call on all sides to refrain from the use of force and to address differences by political means", it read.

• "Persistent divisions amongst Libyans will gravely challenge the ability of the international community to assist Libya," they warned.

On Thursday, the Libyan government urged militias to withdraw from the capital after the embattled GNC had sought help from ex-rebel fighters.

But calm returned Friday after dignitaries from two rival regions — supportive and opposing the GNC — brokered a compromise to prevent armed clashes in Tripoli.
[AFP - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com]
24/5/14
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• Libya: General Khalifa Haftar calls for crisis government in Libya

• Libya militia vows to pursue renegade army leader

• Khalifa Hiftar, the ex-general leading a revolt in Libya, spent years in exile in Northern Virginia

• European Union "deeply concerned" over Libya violence

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Haftar supporters, opponents protest in Libya's Tripoli ....

Both supporters and opponents of renegade Libyan army commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces are currently engaged in deadly fighting with militiamen, staged Friday protests in Tripoli.

Hundreds of Libyans converged on Al-Shuhada (Martyrs) Square to show support for Haftar's ongoing campaign, dubbed "Operation Dignity," the stated aim of which is to "purge" Libya of "extremists."
Only meters away, dozens of anti-Haftar demonstrators gathered in Algeria Square to protest what they describe as an attempt to abort the country's nascent democracy.

A similar scene was reported in the eastern city of Benghazi, where dozens have been killed since Haftar's offensive – in which at least one military plane was used – began on Friday.
Haftar's supporters carried posters reading "Yes to Operation Dignity" and "Benghazi is with Haftar," while those in the rival camp raised banners reading "The coup era is over" and "Haftar is another Gaddafi" – the latter a reference to late strongman Muammar Gaddafi, who was ousted by a 2011 uprising.

Fears have mounted recently that Libya is slipping towards civil war after forces loyal to Haftar took up arms against militia groups serving as part of Libya's regular army.

The Libyan government, for its part, has described Haftar's operation as a "coup" against "legitimacy."
Haftar's operation in restive Benghazi has caused some wrangling between army leaders, who appear split between backing Haftar's offensive and supporting Libya's elected interim government.
Libyan authorities have struggled to restore law and order since Gaddafi's ouster and death in 2011 amid the continued refusal of armed militias – which helped overthrow the late leader – to give up their weapons.
By Moataz al-Majbari
[aa.com.tr/en]
23/5/14