Libya: PC Summons French Envoy over French Military Presence

UN-backed Libyan authorities Sunday summoned French envoy for clarification following the death of three French military officers last week in the eastern part of the country.

The Presidency Council (PC) led by Prime Minister Faiez Serraj summoned Ambassador Antoine Sivan to explain the presence of the French military in Benghazi.

Three French military officers died last Sunday in a helicopter crash along with some Libyan military forces led by Libya’s National Army (LNA) of General Khalifa Hafter.

French President Francois Holland indicated that the men died as they carried out difficult intelligence gathering operation.

Protests erupted last week in the west of the country to protest against what Libyans deem military intervention in their country. Protestors, reportedly manipulated by anti-PC figures including cleric Sadek Al-Ghariani, Misrata milita leader Salah Badi, and Omar Hassi, on Friday demanded the sacking of the PC and the Government of National Accord (GNA).

The protestors called for the establishment of a supreme revolutionaries’ council, Libya Herald reports.

France has pledged support to the PC and the GNA but Serraj and his team have protested against France’s cooperation with Gen Khalifa Hafter, who has rejected collaboration with the GNA.