French diplomat hails "important progress" in southern Libya

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Monday hailed the "significant progress" made in southern Libya by strong man Khalifa Haftar, a rival of the UN-backed government.

The so-called Libyan national army of Haftar launched an offensive in January to seize the vast desert region of the south, which had become a pillar for jihadists and smugglers.

"Significant progress has been made in the south of the country against terrorist groups, organized criminals and armed armed groups that have long fueled instability in the region," said Le Drain during a visit. in Tripoli.

France organized a historic meeting between Libyan rivals in May 2018, during which they agreed to hold elections, although violence and political divisions prevented any vote.

Haftar met in Abu Dhabi last month with Fayez al-Sarraj, head of the UN-backed administration, where they reaffirmed the need to hold elections.

"France hopes that this agreement will be implemented quickly, in a spirit of harmony and national cooperation," said Le Drain after meeting with Sarraj.

The top French diplomat is also expected to meet Haftar and the UN envoy, Ghbadan Salame, during his visit to Libya.

The southern Haftar offensive was perceived with suspicion by the government of the Sarraj National Accord, which accuses it of wanting to install a military dictatorship in this country of North Africa.

Libya is plunged into chaos since the fall of dictator Moammar Gaddafi during a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, as both rival administrations and many militias struggle for power.