In Libya, Europe's Failure is Trump's Opening

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 28, 2020 (Newswire.com) - A representative for Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) today pointed to the failure of international diplomacy in Libya as a “made for Trump” moment to assert American leadership.

“Other than Germany, which has been coordinating diplomatic efforts, the United States is the only major power not currently intervening for or against Libya’s legitimate government,” said Brad Gerstman. “Just days after Germany hosted a summit of key leaders to enforce a ceasefire and arms embargo for Libya, hundreds of crack Russian mercenaries are still fighting, and warplanes and sophisticated Chinese drones are being deployed by the United Arab Emirates against Libyan civilians in Tripoli.”

“Only the Trump administration has clean hands in Libya,” Gerstman notes, “since European and Gulf powers are feeding the conflict through their continued support for renegade warlord Khalifa Haftar. President Trump can call out the hypocrisy of these outsiders and apply real pressure, reducing rather than adding to the violence.”

Gerstman is a founding partner of Gotham Government Relations & Communications, which has previously represented the Trump Organization and currently represents the UN-recognized GNA in the United States.

“What’s the point of holding diplomatic conferences where most of the leaders start breaking their commitments as soon as they leave the table,” Gerstman asked. “Previous U.S. administrations and foreign powers have exploited and failed Libya, and now it’s clear that only Donald Trump can get the process back on track.”

Gerstman advised, “Mr. President, you can use your leadership and negotiation skills to finally give Libyans the political cover and genuine ceasefire they need in order to resume their national reconciliation. More fighting will never produce the stable and prosperous Libya to anchor the region and be a strong partner for U.S. industry and national interests. The time to act is now.”

This material is distributed by Gotham Government Relations & Communications on behalf of the Government of National Accord Libya. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

Source: Gotham Government Relations