Al-Sharq, Al-Watan Condemn Haftar's Attacks on Civilians in Tripoli

Doha, May 12 (QNA) - Qatari newspapers, Al-Sharq and Al-Watan, on Tuesday condemned the irresponsible attacks launched by the militia of retired Major General Khalifa Haftar against the civilians in Tripoli, which indicate that Haftar's war has turned into terrorist hit-and-run operations that are only carried out by gangs. For its part, Al-Sharq said that the bloody attack launched by Khalifa Haftar coincided with the European Union's launching of the IRINI operation which the paper said is aimed at depriving Tripoli from any military support to defend itself against the barbarian attacks of Haftar's militia. The paper noted the State of Qatar's condemnation of Haftar's attacks, considering that such irresponsible acts are an indication of the militias' thoughtlessness to the lives of civilians and they have disregarded the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. Al-Sharq added that the legitimate government in Libya has welcomed Qatar's remarkable positions, especially its calls for wise intervention to stop this bloody and absurd struggle fueled by Haftar, and for helping civilians instead of observing their slaughter. Al-Sharq called on the European Union to follow the positive stance of the State of Qatar, which is to support legitimacy in Libya, condemn the bombing of the Libyan capital, and call on the parties to return to the political track as the correct way to stop the tragedy of the Libyan people and end the conflict. Meanwhile, Al-Watan daily described the brutal and unjustified escalation committed by the retired Major General Khalifa Haftar's militia against the defenseless civilians in Tripoli as a criminal act for which Haftar should be held accountable. The paper said shelling of Mitiga airport in the Libyan capital, the deliberate attacks on civilian individuals and facilities, the bombing of diplomatic headquarters and the sabotaging civilian aircraft are major crimes require punishment. Al-Watan highlighted the State of Qatar's condemnation and denunciation of these crimes which clearly indicates its firm position on rejecting violations of the international law and the rule of law, destabilizing states and killing the innocent. The paper said that the State of Qatar, in its statement, affirmed that such irresponsible acts are an indication of the militias' thoughtlessness to the lives of civilians and they have disregarded the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. The State of Qatar called on the international community and main actors in the Libyan scene to assume their historical responsibility and deter the militias of retired General Haftar from tampering with the lives of Libyans and prolonging the conflict, the paper added. Al-Watan expressed the hope to stop the bloody conflict in Libya, hold those responsible for targeting civil institutions and innocent people accountable, and adopt a political approach to resolve the crisis so that the Libyan people enjoy decent life, security, peace and justice. (QNA)