French President Emmanuel Macron lashed out on Monday against Turkey’s “criminal” responsibility in Libya, The Associated Press reported.
Speaking during a visit to Germany, Macron strongly condemned Turkey’s actions in Libya as “unacceptable.”
He said Turkey “doesn’t respect any of its commitments.” France sees Ankara as an obstacle to securing a cease-fire in the conflict-torn country.
Tensions between France and Turkey escalated following a June 10 incident between Turkish warships and a French naval vessel in the Mediterranean, which France considers a hostile act under NATO’s rules of engagement.
Turkey has denied harassing the French frigate.
France accused Turkey of repeated violations of the UN arms embargo and of importing Syrian fighters to Libya.
Macron also condemned interference in Libya from Russian private military contractor Wagner.
Macron denied backing the east-based forces led by commander Khalifa Haftar, stressing that France is in favor of finding a “political solution.” The UN-supported government in the capital of Tripoli is mainly backed by Turkey.