Libya’s outgoing prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh was urged by Turkey to peacefully give up power after he was ousted by the Libyan House of Representatives, Libyan TV channel Al-Masar reports.
Citing unnamed source, Al-Masar said the the Tripoli-based premier was also asked to avoid any military escalation.
Dbeibeh is yet to respond to Ankara’s demands, but he communicated to the Turks that he needs more time to consult with his advisors, according to Al-Masar.
Last February, Fathi Bashagha was selected by the House of Representatives with support from members of the High Council of State to lead the country as interim premier, replacing Dbeibeh whose government failed to organize elections in 2021.
Despite refusing to relinquish power, Dbeibeh remains recognized as the country’s legitimate leader by the international community while Bashagha’s government is seen as a parallel body.
Both Bashagha and Dbeibeh reportedly have strong ties to Turkey.