Forces loyal to retired commander of Libyan landforces Khalifa Haftar are ready to create a temporary buffer zone with Egypt in order to besiege terrorist groups, according to Haftar's spokesman Colonel Mohamed Hegazy.
"We agreed to establish a buffer zone at this difficult stage. We are ready for this temporarily, until these terrorist groups are addressed," Hegazy added.
Establishing a buffer zone will be in coordination with Egyptian authorities, Hegazy said.
"There are confidential matters that should not be announced," Hegazy said, commenting on whether the issue has been discussed with the Egyptian armed forces.
There was no immediate response by Egyptian authorities to Hegazy's statement.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Badr Abdel Aaty had repeatedly stressed that the position of his country on developments in Libya were very clear.
Abdel Aaty said that Egypt is keen on the unity of Libya and rejects attempts to divide it or interfere in its internal affairs. Abdel Aaty added that Egypt seeks to convince different Libyan parties and factions to be rational and end the division.
"Borders with neighboring countries represent a strategic depth for us and there will be coordination with the concerned authorities to secure borders, particularly the eastern one," Hegazy said.
"We certainly know that the Egyptian army is carrying out its role by securing borders, and we hope that it cooperates with us in this regard, especially since Libya has been exposed to a series of attrition in the past," Hegazy mentioned.
Edited translation from Anadolou Agency
