Libya slams Egyptian president Sisi's remarks as "declaration of war"

Tripoli

The UN-backed government of Libya on Sunday considered the recent remarks of the Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi a "declaration of war".

"Libya affirms that interference in its internal affairs and infringing on the sovereignty of the state, whether through press statements, as made by the Egyptian president, or support of coups and mercenaries, are unacceptable and considered an act of hostility, and a declaration of war," the UN-backed government said in a statement.

"The Government of National Accord is the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan state and has the sole right to determine the type and form of its agreements and alliances," the statement said.

CONSEQUENCES

The statement also warned against the "consequences of interference in our affairs, which will unprecedentedly destabilise the region," calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards the escalation.

On Saturday, Egyptian President Sisi announced availability for the Egyptian army to intervene and help Libya against terrorists and armed groups.

Libya's eastern-based army and the UN-backed government were engaged in a deadly armed conflict for more than a year in and around the capital Tripoli, which ended recently with the UN-backed government announcing taking over all of western Libya after withdrawal of the rival eastern-based army.