Libyan strongman Haftar tells Macron no ceasefire for now

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is leading a military offensive against the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, rejected a ceasefire requested by French President Emmanuel Macron during talks in Paris, an Elysee official said Wednesday.

Hafter said the conditions for halting hostilities "were not met," while acknowledging that a "political dialogue" is needed to end the standoff with his rival, Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, the official said on condition of anonymity.

"But the mistrust between the two Libyans is stronger than ever," the official said, acknowledging "an impasse between the international community's desire for a ceasefire, and marshal Haftar's way of seeing things."
After the talks with Haftar, Macron's office said the president reiterated France's priorities in Libya: "Fight against terrorist groups, dismantle trafficking networks, especially those for illegal immigration, and permanently stabilise Libya."